THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


^^^^'M^Mr 


MEMOIR 


PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 


KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS 


MASSACHUSETTS  AND   RHODE  ISLAND, 


MAY,  1859. 


PUBLISHED  BT  AUTHORITT  OF  THE  DE  MOLAT  ENCAMPMEHT. 


BOSTON: 

A.  WILLIAMS   AND    COMPANY, 

100  Washington  Street. 

1  8  5,i?v  ; 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 

A.   WILLIAMS   AXD   COMPANY, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


University  Press,  Cambridge : 
,    .      .,    Rruutedi by  Walch^  Bipelpw,  and  Company.      «  ■    «  ^«   • 


//s 


Boston,  June  1,  1859. 

•» 

»- 

i^  At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  having 

^  in  charge  the  late  visit  of  the  Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay 

§  Encampment   to    Richmond,   Virginia,   it  was    unanimously 

"^  voted  that  a  full  and  complete  history  of  their  pilgrimage 

<M  be  published  in  book  form,  and  that  Sir  Knight  E.  C.  Bailey 

^  be  a  Committee  to  superintend  the  publication  of  the  same, 

p  and  also  that  he  be  authorized  to  employ  Mr.  Henry  E. 

Tracy,  of  the  Boston  Herald,  to  assist  him  in  preparing  the 

cJ  account  for  the  press. 
a 

X 

) 


SERENO  D.  NICKERS  ON,  Secretary. 


45r,G61 


PREFACE 


The  visit  of  the  Knights  Templars  of  Boston 
and  Providence  to  Richmond  in  May,  1859,  was 
an  event  of  no  common  interest,  significance,  and 
importance  in  the  annals  of  the  year.  It  was  not 
only  a  meeting  between  companies  of  that  noble 
Order  which  has  linked  a  chain  of  fraternity 
around  the  world,  but  it  was  a  mingling  of  patri- 
otic feeling  by  American  citizens  whose  forefathers 
mingled  their  blood  in  the  crimson  stains  of  the 
Revolutionary  battle-fields,  and  whose  martyr  dust 
now  mingles  in  the  soil  consecrated  to  freedom 
by  their  valor  and  devotion.  It  was  not  only  a 
convocation  and  festival  of  the  Sir  Knights  of 
De  Molay  and  St.  John  and  the  Richmond  Com- 
mandery,  but  it  was  the  children  of  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  and  Virginia  clasping  each  other 
in  a  brotherly  embrace,  and,  while  enjoying  the 
blessings  that  flow  so  richly   from  the  compact 


vi  PREFACE. 

made  by  their  fathers,  strengthening  that  compact 
by  pledging  each  other  foot  to  foot,  eye  to  eye, 
and  hand  to  hand.  It  was  a  pilgrimage  from  the 
patriot  shrines  of  New  England  to  the  land  of 
Washington,  of  Henry,  and  of  a  host  of  noble 
spirits  now  in  communion  with  those  good  and 
true  men,  who  rest  from  their  labors,  and  look 
down  upon  a  mighty  republic,  which  was  builded 
and  fostered  by  their  hands,  and  guided  to  a  high 
place  among  the  nations.  It  was  the  descendants 
of  the  pupils  and  disciples  of  Cotton  Mather  and 
Roger  "Williams,  of  Warren  and  Greene,  going 
down  to  the  sacred  places  where  they  might  listen 
to  the  undying  echoes  of  Patrick  Henry's  cry  for 
liberty,  and  Washington's  Farewell  Address. 

All  the  circumstances  of  the  occasion  conspired 
to  render  it  a  memorable  and  happy  event  in  the 
lives  of  those  who  participated  in  it.  The  excur- 
sionists passed  through  the  chief  cities  of  America. 
They  visited  the  Capital  of  the  nation,  and  the 
Tomb  of  Washington.  Their  route  led  them 
across  the  fairest  portions  of  the  eastern  border 
of  our  country,  by  a  mode  of  conveyance  so  rapid, 
while,  at  the  same  time,  it  was  most  comfortable, 
that  they  could  see  the  gradations  of  climate,  as 
marked  in  vegetation  through  a  wide  range  of 
latitude,   giving    them   a  realizing    sense    of  the 


\ 


PREFACE.  yii 

immense  variety  of  resources  embraced  in  this 
glorious  union  of  States.  Starting  from  Boston 
when  the  herbage  was  but  ankle-deep,  they  found 
themselves,  at  the  end  of  their  journey,  sur- 
rounded by  roses  in  full  bloom ;  after  having 
passed  through  fields  and  farms  whose  trees  and 
grain  displayed  increasing  signs  of  maturity  as 
they  sped  southward,  until  they  exchanged  their 
chill  and  backward  climate  for  one  in  which  Na- 
ture smiled  in  all  the  loveliness  of  summer.  They 
found  the  kindly  feeling  and  hospitality  of  their 
Southern  brethren  in  as  full  and  expansive  bloom 
as  the  flowers  that  decked  the  fair  city  of  Rich- 
mond, and  were  welcomed  by  hearts  as  warm  as 
the  sunshine  which  bathed  the  hills  and  valleys  of 
the  Old  Dominion. 

This  was  the  first  opportunity  ever  enjoyed  by 
most  of  the  company  to  visit  "Washington,  Mount 
Yernon,  or  the  soil  of  Virginia,  —  that  historic 
ground,  so  rich  in  memories  of  the  first  settle- 
ment of  this  continent  hj  the  men  who  laid  the 
foundations  of  our  government,  —  the  land  where 
that  drama  was  enacted  by  Pocahontas  which  will 
be  famous  in  history  until  America  has  been  for- 
gotten. How  well  the  Sir  Knights  enjoyed  this 
opportunity,  what  pleasure  it  afforded  them,  and 
how  grateful  is  their  rememljrance  of  it,  can  only 


viii  PKEFACE. 

be  told  by  each  for  himself.  It  will  doubtless  be 
recorded  as  one  of  the  happiest  experiences  of 
their  lives. 

The  excursion  was  conducted  with  so  much 
skill,  that  nothing  was  left  to  be  desired  by  any 
one  ;  for  they  had  only  to  place  themselves  in 
the  care  of  its  managers,  and  they  were  trans- 
ported without  trouble  or  annoyance  of  any  kind 
to  the  place  of  their  destination,  six  hundred 
miles  away,  and  restored  in  health  and  safety 
to  their  homes  at  the  hour  appointed. 

It  is  not  pretended  by  the  compilers  of  this 
history  of  the  excursion  and  the  festivities  at 
Eichmond,  that  it  will  describe  adequately  all 
the  interesting  scenes  and  events  that  occurred, 
but  it  is  hoped  that  the  record  made  in  the 
following  pages  may  revive  in  the  bosoms  of  the 
Sir  Knights  many  of  the  pleasurable  emotions 
they  experienced,  and  also  afford,  in  its  perusal, 
some  gratification  to  their  brothers  of  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  and  to  the  public. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

PAGE 

Visit  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  K.  T.,  to  Boston,  in  June, 
1858.  —  Their  Invitation  to  De  Molay  and  St.  John's  Encamp- 
ments to  visit  Richmond. 1 


CHAPTER    II. 

The  Departure  of  the  Sir  Knights  from  Boston.  —  They  take  up 
the  Sir  Knights  of  Providence,  and  proceed  to  Washington.  — 
Their  Reception  at  the  Capital 11 


CHAPTER    III. 

Sunday  in  Washington.  —  Sermons  of  Rev.  Wilham  D.  Haley 

and  Rev.  B.  Sunderland. 20 


CHAPTER    IV. 

From  Washington  to  Richmond.  —  A  Dirge  for  Mount  Vernon.  — 
Governor  Wise  welcomes  the  Sir  Knights.  —  First  Taste  of 
Virginia  Hospitality.  —  Reception  by  the  Richmond  Com- 
manderj'.  —  Visit  to  the  Theatre,  and  a  Floral  Ovation.  .      44 

CHAPTER    V. 

Grand  Reception  of  the  Visiting  Knights  at  Mechanics'  Hall.  — 
Welcoming    Speeches    and    Responses.  —  The   Sir    Knights 


X  CONTENTS. 

assaulted  with  Bouquets  by  Ladies  of  Richmond.  —  Presen- 
tation to  the  New  England  Knights.  —  Another  Presentation 
to  the  Fiichmond  Commandery.  —  Collation,  etc.    ...      55 

CHAPTEPv    VI. 

Exercises  at  the  Furst  Baptist  Church.  —  Oration  of  Sir  Knight 
Rev.  J.  Lansing  Burrows.  —  Another  Collation.  —  Prepara- 
tions for  the  Family  Banquet. 72 

CHAPTER    VII. 

Complimentary  Banquet  at  the  Exchange  Hotel  and  Ballard 
House,  Richmond,  Virginia,  to  the  De  Molay  Encampment, 
Boston,  and  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  Providence,  given 
by  the  Richmond  Commandery  of  Knights  Templars,  No.  2, 
Richmond,  Virginia,  Tuesday,  May  17,  1859.  ...       93 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

The  Pilgrims  visit  Ashland.  —  A  Jockey  Club  Reception  and 
Dinner.  —  A  Panorama,  Illumination,  and  other  Festivities 
in  the  Evening 138 

CHAPTER    IX. 

Grand  Dress  Parade  of  the  Knights  Templars  in  Richmond.  — 
Visits  to  the  State  Capitol,  and  to  the  City  Armories.  — 
Floral  Tributes  from  the  Ladies  of  Richmond.  —  Levee  and 
Ball  in  the  Evening. 151 

CHAPTER    X. 

Closing  Scenes  at  Richmond.  —  Departure  of  the  Pilgrims.  — 
Visit  to  Mount  Vernon.  —  Interview  with  the  Secretary  of 
the  Interior.  —  Presentation  to  President  Buchanan.  —  Re- 
turn to  Philadelphia 172 

CHAPTER    XI. 

The  Pilgrims  in  the  Quaker  City.  —  Return  to  New  York.  —  A 

Night  upon  Long  Island  Sound.  —  Reception  in  Providence.       181 


CONTEJilTS. 


CHAPTER    XII. 


Return  of  the  De  Slolay  Encampment.  —  Reception  of  the  Pil- 
grims at  Roxbury  by  the  Boston  Encampment.  —  Grand 
Parade  in  Boston.  —  Festival  in  Nassaii  Hall.       .        .        .    192 


APPENDIX, 


List  of  the  Officers  and  Jlembers  of  the  Richmond  Commandery      205 
List  of  the  Officers  and  Members  of  the  Boston  Encampment       .    208 


PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA. 


CHAPTER    I 


Visit  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  K.  T.,  to  Boston,  ix 
June,  1858.  —  Their  Invitation  to  De  Molay  and  St.  John's 
Encampments  to  visit  Eichmond. 

The  pilgrimage  of  the  Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay 
Encampment  of  Boston,  Mass.,  and  the  St.  John's 
Encampment,  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  to  Richmond,  Va., 
on  the  13th  of  May,  1859,  originated  under  the  follow- 
ing circumstances. 

In  response  to  an  invitation  extended  to  them  by  the 
De  Molay  Encampment,  the  Richmond  Coramandeiy 
No.  2  of  Virginia  Knights  Templars  visited  Boston  on 
the  23d  day  of  June,  1858,  and  participated  in  the  cel- 
ebration of  St.  John's  Day,  the  24:th.  The  Richmond 
Knights,  under  command  of  Tl  II.  Gill,  E.  G.  C,  were 
met  in  Providence  in  the  morning  by  a  committee  of  the 
De  Molay  Encampment,  and  were  hospitably  received 
by  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  with  whom  they  dined. 
On  their  arrival  in  Boston  in  the  afternoon,  they  were 
received  at  the  Providence  Depot  by  a  delegation  of  the 
De  Molays,  headed  by  the  Hon.  Moses  Kimball,  and 
1 


2  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

escorted  across  the  Common  to  the  quarters  provided 
for  them  at  the  American  House,  in  Hanover  Street. 
Several  thousand  people  were  assembled  upon  the  Com- 
mon, and  a  salute  was  fired  in  honor  of  the  arrival  of 
the  Richmond  Knights  by  the  Light  Artillery,  under 
command  of  Captain  Nims. 

The  scene  upon  the  Commoa  was  a  brilliant  one. 
Our  citizens  seemed  anxious  to  greet  the  strangers  from 
Virginia  in  the  most  cordial  manner,  and  lined  the  route 
through  which  they  passed  to  their  hotel  in  great  num- 
bers, manifesting  the  greatest  enthusiasm  at  the  sight  of 
their  Southern  brethren. 

On  the  evening  of  the  23d,  the  Sir  Knights  of  Rich- 
mond accepted  an  invitation  to  attend  the  Museum, 
where  ''The  Heir  at  Law"  was  performed.  The  next 
morning  they  were  escorted  by  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment, all  being  in  full  regalia  and  accompanied  by  a 
band  of  music,  through  several  of  the  principal  streets, 
to  Charlestown,  where  they  visited  Bunker  Hill,  and 
were  welcomed  in  a  speech  by  Sir  Knight  George 
Washington  Warren,  President  of  the  Bunker  Hill 
Monument  Association.  Sir  Knight  J.  B.  Crenshaw 
of  Richmond  responded,  in  an  eloquent  and  impressive 
manner.  The  Knights  were  entertained  sumptuously 
by  Sir  Knight  George  Stimpson,  and  other  citizens  of 
Charlestown,  and,  after  spending  some  time  very  agree- 
ably in  that  city,  the  Commanderies  returned  to  Boston. 
They  marched  to  the  Music  Hall,  which  place  they 
reached  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  An  interesting  ad- 
dress, in  commemoration  of  St.  John's  Day,  was  here 
delivered  by  Sir  Knight  George  M.  Randall,  D.  D.,  of 
Boston.  A  poem  in  honor  of  De  Molay,  the  martyr, 
was  read  by  Sir  John  H.  Shepard,  and  other  interest- 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  3 

ing  exercises,  interspersed  with  music,  completed  tlie 
programme  of  the  occasion. 

From  the  Music  Hall  the  Commanderies,  accompanied 
by  the  chief  officers  of  the  Masonic  Order  in  New  Eng- 
land, who  were  the  invited  guests  of  the  De  Molay  En- 
campment, marched  to  the  American  House,  where  in 
the  evening  a  grand  banquet  was  served.  The  banquet 
was  succeeded  by  speeches  and  toasts,  in  which  a  most 
agreeable  interchange  of  patriotic  and  friendly  sentiment 
between  the  gentlemen  of  the  North  and  the  South  Avas 
made. 

On  the  next  morning,  it  being  Friday,  the  25th,  the 
Sir  Knights  of  Richmond  were  taken  in  carriages  by 
their  Boston  friends  to  Mount  Auburn,  the  Arsenal  in 
"Watertown,  the  Brookline  Reservoir,  and  some  other 
places  of  interest  in  the  suburbs.  The  visiting  Knights 
apparently  enjoyed  very  much  this  excursion  in  the 
environs  of  Boston.  In  the  afternoon  of  Friday  the 
Commanderies  proceeded  down  the  harbor  in  the  steamer 
Neptune,  partaking  of  a  chowder  and  other  refreshments 
on  board.  After  a  very  pleasant  sail,  and  a  visit  to  the 
public  institutions  upon  the  islands,  the  company  returned 
to  the  city  and  repaired  to  the  Masonic  Temple,  where 
some  time  was  profitably  spent  in  the  work  of  the  Order. 
Li  the  evening  the  Knights  attended  the  Boston  Theatre 
in  a  body. 

On  Saturday  the  Richmond  Knights  visited  the  State 
House,  the  Free  Library,  and  some  other  public  places, 
and  in  the  afternoon  were  escorted  to  the  Providence 
Depot,  whence  they  took  their  departure  for  home.  They 
were  handsomely  received  in  Pi'ovidence  Ijy  tlic  mem- 
bers of  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  during  the  brief 
time  they  were  aljle  to  remain  in  tluit  city. 


4  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

"We  have  given  in  brief  the  leading  features  of  the 
visit  of  the  Richmond  Commandery  to  Boston.  The 
time  was  filled  up,  between  the  intervals  of  the  more 
public  demonstrations,  with  acts  of  kindness  and  social 
intercourse,  which  resulted  in  binding  the  Virginians 
and  their  New  England  brothers  in  the  closest  bonds 
of  friendship. 

The  parade  of  the  Commanderies  in  regalia  on  St. 
John's  Day  was  a  pleasing  and  imposing  spectacle,  which 
was  witnessed  by  many  thousands  of  the  citizens  of 
Boston  and  its  suburbs,  who  were  attracted  to  the  streets 
on  the  route  of  the  procession  by  the  beauty  and  novelty 
of  the  scene. 

This  visit  of  the  Richmond  Encampment  to  Boston 
resulted  in  their  extending  an  invitation  to  the  encamp- 
ments of  De  Molay  and  St.  John  to  visit  Richmond,  and 
prompt  action  was  taken  by  them,  as  will  appear  from 
the  following  record  of  their  proceedings,  Avhich  was  duly 
transmitted  to  Boston. 

RESOLUTIONS   OF   THE   RICHMOND   COMMANDERY. 

At  a  meeting  of  Richmond  Commandery  No.  2,  of  K.  T., 
Virginia,  held  in  their  Asylum  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  on 
Saturday  evening,  July  10th,  A.  L.  5858,  A.  I.  757,  A.  D. 
1858,  the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted, 
and  a  copy  ordered  to  be  transmitted  to  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment of  Boston,  Massachusetts:  — 

1.  Tliat  no  brilliant  array  of  words,  nor  artistic  effort  of 
eloquence,  would  adequately  express  our  feehngs  at  the  cor- 
dial welcome  and  knightly  courtesy  with  which  we  were 
received  and  entertained  by  De  ]\Iolay  Encampment,  on  our 
late  pilgrimage  to  the  tomb  of  the  immortal  Warren.  We 
are  persuaded  "  that  it  was  good  for  us  to  be  there " ;  the 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  5 

sentiments  then  expressed  must  tend  not  only  to  bind  in 
closer  union  the  Sir  Knights  of  our  respective  Commanderies, 
heretofore  strangers,  but  now  such  no  longer,  and  we  believe 
that  through  them  the  ancient  and  firm  links  between  "  Old 
Massachusetts  "  and  "  Old  Virginia  "  were  in  no  slight  degree 
renewed  and  strengthened. 

2.  That  to  particularize  the  names  of  individuals,  when  all 
did  so  much  to  contribute  to  our  hajipiness  during  our  sojourn, 
would  be  an  invidious,  as  well  as  hopeless  task;  we  trust, 
therefore,  that  the  simple  but  deep-felt  expression  of  thanks 
now  tendered  to  each  and  every  member  of  De  Molay  En- 
campment, will  be  understood  to  mean  all  that  a  Knight 
Templar  could  say,  and  all  that  a  Knight  Templar  would 
wish  to  hear. 

3.  That  the  inestimable  relics  of  our  Revolution,  memen- 
tos of  the  ancient  renown  of  Massachusetts  and  Virginia, 
the  twin  sisters  of  '76,  shall  be  cherished  while  life  lasts  with 
a  veneration  as  deep  as  could  have  been  felt  by  the  Sir 
Knights  of  old; — jewels  indeed  are  they  beyond  price;  — 
and  dying  we  will  bequeath  them  to  our  successors,  as  a  rich 
legacy,  not  only  because  they  are  memorials  of  our  fathers' 
achievements,  but  also  to  remind  them  of  the  late  cordial 
reunion  of  their  children. 

4.  That  we  tender,  through  De  Molay  Encampment,  our 
sincere  thanks  to  the  municipal  authorities,  as  well  as  to  the 
citizens  of  Boston  generallj-,  ivhose  uniformly  polite  and  kind 
attentions  fully  entitle  their  city  to  be  styled  the  "  Athens  of 
America." 

5.  That  our  peculiar  thanks  arc  also  due  for  the  beautiful 
specimen  of  work  exemplified  by  De  Molay  Encampment, 
of  which  we  will  mark  our  appreciation  by  endeavoring  to 
imitate  its  excellence. 

6.  That  in  commemoration  of  our  pilgrimage  to  the  tomb 
of  Warren,  and  as  a  slight  mark  of  our  appreciation  of  the 
courtesy  and  hospitality  with  which  we  were  received,  the 
Council  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  Boston,  in  perpetuity,  be 
and  are  hereby  recorded  as  Honorary  Members  of  Richmond 
Commandery  2so.  2. 


6  PILGRIMAGE   TO  VIEGrs^A 

7.  That  we  consider  De  Molay  Encampment  pledged  to 
return  our  visit,  either  on  13th  May,  24th  June,  or  at  any 
other  time  during  the  year  1859  that  may  smt  their  conven- 
ience. 

E.  H.  GILL,  E.  G.   Commander. 
R.  0.  HASKIXS,  Generalissimo. 
JXO.  F.  REGNAULT,   Captain-General. 
THOS.  H.  DeWITT,  Prelate. 
W,M.  J.  EIDDICK,  Recorder. 

Ill  February  last  the  De  Molay  Encampment  voted 
to  accept  the  invitation  of  their  Kichmond  brothers,  and 
the  following  letter  was  addressed  to  them  by  Sir  Knight 
"William  Parkman. 

De  Molat  Excajipmest, 

Boston,  Feb.  13,  1859. 

Most  E.  G.  Commander  and  Sir  Knights 

OP   ElCHMOND  COMMANDERY  ISTo.  2  :  — 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  De  Molay  Encampment  holden 
this  evening,  the  communication  some  time  since  received 
from  you,  conveying  to  us  your  very  kind  regards,  and  very 
flattering  resolutions,  together  with  your  cordial  invitation 
to  visit  you,  was  duly  placed  before  the  Encampment,  and 
it  was  unanimously  voted  that  we  accept  with  great  pleas- 
m*e  your  cordial  invitation  to  visit  you  upon  the  coming 
IZth  of  May,  provided  we  can  obtain  a  sufficient  number 
to  come.  We  apprise  you  of  this  fact  at  our  earliest  con- 
venience ;  and  as  an  apology  "  for  seeming  neglect "  would 
inform  you  that  our  dearly  beloved  Commander,  Sir  Knight 
Walker,  has  for  a  long  time  been  so  seriously  indisposed  as 
to  be  unable  to  meet  with  us,  to  take  any  part  in  the  affairs 
of  the  Encampment,  or  even  to  attend  to  his  private  pursuits. 
He  is  now  away,  endeavoring  to  recruit  his  shattered  health. 
Meantime,  as  soon  as  any  of  our  arrangements  are  perfected, 
you  shall  be  advised ;  at  present  we  have  but  determined  to 
come. 

Herewith  we  would  assure  your  Encampment  your  very 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  7 

kindly  expressions  are  fully  and  entirely  i-eciproeated  by 
every  member  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  and  the  distin- 
guished honor  you  have  conferred  upon  our  Council  is  duly 
appreciated. 

In  the  name  and  behalf  of  De  ]Molay  Encampment,   and 
assuring  you  of  the  knightly  esteem  of  our  every  member, 
We  are,  fraternally, 

WILLIAM  PARKMAN,  Generalissimo. 

To  E.  H.  Gill,  31.  E.  G.  C.  Richmond 
Encampment  So.  2. 

The  following  courteous  reply  to  the  above  was  re- 
ceived by  the  De  Molay  Encampment:  — 

Lynchburg,  Va.,  March  7,  1859. 
Sir  Knight  and  Dear  Sir:  — 

I  was  highly  gratified  by  the  receipt  of  your  favor  of  the 
4th  instant,  as  it  sealed  the  fact  that  we  should  have  the  pleas- 
ure of  grasping  the  hands  of  the  members  of  your  Encampment 
once  again,  and  that  too  in  "  Old  Virginia."  In  reply  to  your 
inquiry,  I  can  only  say  that  we  do  not  intend  to  celebrate 
any  particular  object  or  occasion  other  than  to  do  honor  to 
our  visiting  brethren  from  Boston  and  Providence,  to  whom 
we  feel  that  all  honor  is  due.  The  13th  of  jMay,  bemg  the 
day  on  which  De  INlolay  suffered  martyrdom,  has  been  recom- 
mended by  our  General  Grand  Encampment  to  subordinates 
as  a  day  to  be  observed,  and  on  that  account  we  preferred 
that  you  should  be  with  us  on  that  day,  particularly  as  the 
weather  about  that  time  in  -this  State  is  exceedingly  pleasant. 
I  regret  to  hear  of  the  indisposition  of  Commander  Walker, 
and  sincerely  hope  that  he  will  not  be  ])revcnted  from  accom- 
panying you. 

Please  present  my  warmest  regards  to  the  Sir  Knights  of 
your  Encampment,  and  believe  me, 

Eespectfully  and  fraternally  yours, 

K.  H.  GILL. 
Sir  William  Parkmax,  C.  Gen.  iVe. 


3  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

Some  further  correspondence  took  place,  in  which 
the  preliminaries  of  the  excursion  were  settled,  and,  at 
the  request  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  who  stated 
that  an  intervening  Sunday  would  interfere  with  the 
progi'amme  they  desired  to  carry  out,  it  was  finally  de- 
cided that  the  visiting  Sir  Knights  should  arrive  in 
Richmond  on  Monday,  May  16th,  instead  of  Friday, 
the  loth,  as  had  first  been  proposed. 

A  meeting  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  was  held, 
April  1st,  and  the  following  Sir  Knights  were  appointed 
a  Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the  visit  to  Virginia. 

E.  C.  Bailey,  Boston. 

Gen.  John  S.  Tyler,  " 

J.  W.  AVard, 

C.  E.  King, 

J.  J.  Whiting,  " 

Sereno  D.  Nickerson,       " 

Dr.  J.  A.  CUMMINGS,  " 

Gen.  William  Sutton,  Salem. 
Stephen  A.  Tripp,  New  Bedford. 

Lixx.Eus  Wood,  " 

A  meeting  of  the  Committee  was  promptly  held,  and 
they  immediately  organized  by  the  choice  of  E.  C.  Bailey, 
Chairman,  and  Sereno  D.  Nickerson,  Secretary.  The 
Committee  applied  themselves  with  energy  to  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duties,  and  when  the  day  fixed  for  their 
departure  arrived,  all  was  in  readiness.  How  successful 
they  were  in  the  prosecution  of  the  enterprise  will  appear 
to  the  reader,  as  the  narrative  progresses. 

Meanwhile,  the  following  correspondence  took  place 
between  the  Boston  and  De  Molay  Encampments  in 
reference  to  the  excursion,  which  explains  itself  suffi- 
ciently. The  Boston  Encampment  addressed  the  De 
Molay  Encampment  the  following  letter. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  9 

BOSTOX  EXCAMPMEXT, 

Jlay  10,  1859. 

To  THE  ]\I.  E.  Grand  Commander  of 
De  Molay  Encampment : — 

Dear  Sir  and  Brother,  —  Boston  Encampment,  having 
heard  with  much  pleasure  of  the  proposed  visit  of  the  Sir 
Knights  under  your  command  to  our  much  esteemed  brethren 
in  Richmond,  Virginia,  adopted  unanimously,  at  a  special 
meeting  on  Thursday  last,  the  following  vote  :  — 

Resolved,  That  Boston  Encampment  tender  to  the  De  ]\Io- 
lay  Encampment  a  reception  and  entertainment  upon  their 
return  fi-om  Virginia. 

The  undersigned,  the  committee  to  whom  the  above  matter 
was  referred,  would  respectfully  tender  to  the  De  Molay  En- 
campment an  escort,  and  collation  at  Parker's,  upon  their 
return  ;  and,  in  behalf  of  Boston  Encampment,  would  be 
happy  to  meet  them  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may 
designate. 

Fraternally  yours, 

WM.  ELLISON, 
JOHN  M'CLELLAN, 
CHAS.  B.  F.  ADAMS, 
W.  BOGLE, 
JNO.  K.  HALL, 
WYZEMAN  MARSHALL, 
SAMUEL  PEARCE. 

To  the  above,  tlie  De  Molay  Encampment  replied  as 

folloAvs :  — 

Dk  Molay  Encampment, 
Boston,  May  12,  1859. 

Dear  Sir  Knights  and  Brothers:  — 

I  am  instructed  l)y  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the 
excursion  of  the  De  INIolay  Encampment  to  Richmond,  to 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  esteemed  letter  of  the  10th 
instant,  covering  a  resolution  of  your  Encampment  to  "  tender 
to  the  De  Molay  Encampment  a  reception  and  entertainment 
upon  their  return  from  Virginia." 


10  PILGRIMAGE   TO  VIRGIXIA 

The  De  Molar  Eucampment  receive  this  invitation  in  the 
same  spirit  of  brotherly  love  in  Avhicli  it  is  tendered,  and  cheer- 
fully accept  it. 

For  the  information  of  the  Committee  of  the  Boston  En- 
campment, we  beg  leave  to  state  that  our  return  to  Boston  is 
fixed  for  Tuesday  the  24th  instant ;  our  arrangements  are,  to 
leave  Providence  in  the  train  which  starts  at  two  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  of  that  day  ;  we  propose  to  stoji  at  the  Depot  of 
the  Roxbury  Crossing,  and  will  receive  the  escort  of  your  En- 
campment there,  or  any  other  point  in  Roxbury  or  Boston 
which  your  Committee  may  deem  the  most  eligible. 

I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  expressing  for  the  Com- 
mittee, and  in  behalf  of  the  Encampment  for  which  we  are 
acting,  our  high  appreciative  sense  of  the  honor  you  propose 
to  confer  upon  us ;  and  believe  me,  it  will  not  be  the  least  of 
the  pleasurable  recollections  connected  with  the  visit  to  our 
Virginia  brethren,  that  our  esteemed  bretliren  at  home  — 
those  who  are  our  more  immediate  brethren  and  familiar 
friends  —  have  united  to  welcome  us  back  to  the  spot  where 
our  homes,  our  fondest  hopes,  and  dearest  memories  reside. 
Fraternally  yours, 

E.  C.  BAILEY,   Chairman. 

To  Wm.  Ellison,  M.  E.  Grand  Commander,  John  M'Clel- 
LAx,  Chas.  B.  F.  Adams,  "Wm.  Bogle,  John  K.  Hall, 
Wyzeman  Marshall,  Samuel  Pearce,  Committee  of 
Boston  Encampment. 

All  things  now  being  prepared  for  the  excursion  and 
the  reception  at  home,  we  are  brought  to  the  conclusion 
of  this  chapter. 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  H 


CHAPTER    II 


The  Depaeture  of  the  Sir  Knights  from  Bostox.  —  They 
TAKE  UP  the  Sir  Knights  of  Providence,  and  proceed  to 
Washington.  —  Their  Reception  at  the  Capital. 


Ox  the  afternoon  of  the  thirteenth  day  of  May,  the 
anniversary  of  the  martyrdom  of  the  wise  and  virtuous 
James  De  Molay,  who  was  immolated  for  refusing  to 
abjure  the  principles  of  his  order,  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment, Knights  Templars,  of  Boston,  set  forth  upon  their 
pilgrimage  to  Virginia.  The  weather  was  beautiful,  and 
all  the  circumstances  of  their  departure  were  auspicious 
of  the  success  which  was  to  crown  their  expedition. 
The  Encampment  met  at  Nassua  Hall,  at  three  o'clock, 
where  they  went  through  the  evolutions  of  the  drill,  and 
marched  thence,  accompanied  by  Gilmore's  Band,  through 
Common,  Tremont,  and  Eliot  Streets,  to  the  Providence 
Depot. 

At  the  Depot  many  hundred  gentlemen  and  ladies 
were  assembled  to  give  a  friendly  pai-ting  word  to  the 
Pilgi-im  Knights.  Hearty  cheers  ascended  and  hand- 
kerchiefs were  waved  as  the  cars  left  the  Depot,  the 
band  playing  the  air  of  "The  Girl  I  left  behind  me." 

Arriving  in  Providence  at  seven  o'clock,  the  Sir 
Knights  found  the  brothers  of  the  St.  John's  Encamp- 
ment in  the  Depot,  ready  to  proceed  to  Stoningtoii.     The 


12  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MEGDs'IA 

Providence  Encampment  was  accompanied  by  Green's 
American  Brass  Band.  They  had  paraded  through  the 
principal  streets  of  the  city  during  the  afternoon,  attract- 
ing much  attention,  and  a  dense  crowd  filled  the  Depot  to 
witness  the  arrival  of  the  De  Molays  and  the  departure 
of  both  Encampments.  The  scene  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  Depot,  like  that  in  Boston,  was  an  animated  one,  — 
those  who  remained  at  home  sympathizing  with  depart- 
ing friends  in  their  anticipations  of  pleasure. 

Several  of  the  Sir  Knights  were  accompanied  by  their 
wives  and  sisters,  and  when  fairly  embarked  for  vStoning- 
ton  the  entire  company  was  something  over  two  hundi-ed 
in  number. 

The  Knights  of  De  Molay  wore  no  distinguishing 
badge  except  black  cloth  caps,  ornamented  with  a  narrow 
gold  band  and  a  red  Maltese  cross.  The  Knights  of  St. 
John  were  dressed  in  black  frock-coats,  with  standing 
collars  ornamented  with  a  silver  cross  upon  the  right- 
hand  side.  They  also  wore  fatigue  caps  having  a  silver 
band,  and  the  Maltese  cross  in  front.  The  regalia  and 
standards  of  the  Encampments  had  been  forwarded  di- 
rectly to  Richmond. 

When  fairly  embarked  together,  the  two  Encampments 
and  the  whole  company  became  as  one  family,  and  the 
greatest  sociality  prevailed.  The  monotony  and  the  vari- 
ous discomforts  that  persons  expei'ience  when  travelling 
alone  were  avoided.  The  baggage  of  the  whole  party  was 
under  the  charge  of  an  agent,  who  relieved  individuals  of 
all  care  in  respect  to  it.  Thus  they  proceeded  comfort- 
ably and  happily  to  Stonington,  and  were  transferred  from 
the  cars  to  that  noble  steamer,  the  Plymouth  Rock. 

Good  quarters  having  been  secured  on  board  the  boat, 
and  supper  despatched  in  a  satisfactory  style,  the  com- 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  13 

pany  repaired  to  the  grand  saloon ;  and  while  the  steamer 
swept  on  through  Long  Island  Sound,  leaving  a  sheet  of 
foam  behind  her  like  the  train  of  a  queen's  robe,  the  hours 
were  beguiled  in  listening  to  the  excellent  music  of  the 
bands  until  bed-time.  Toward  midnight  the  moonlight, 
which  had  flooded  the  Sound  with  silver,  became  mixed 
with  fog  in  the  proportion  of  two  parts  of  fog  to  one  of 
moonlight,  and  the  blowing  of  the  steam-whistle  and  the 
solemn  toll  of  fog-bells  served  to  give  variety  to  the 
dreams  of  the  voyagers. 

The  boat  was  so  delayed  by  the  fog  that  she  arrived 
in  New  York  an  hour  later  than  usual,  and  the  company 
on  landing  were  obliged  to  march  immediately  to  the 
ferry,  to  reach  the  morning  train  for  Philadelphia.  Break- 
fast had  been  served  on  board  the  Plymouth  Rock  before 
she  reached  her  pier,  and  on  finding  that  the  Philadel- 
phia train  had  waited  ten  minutes  for  them,  the  party 
took  possession  of  the  cars,  with  many  thanks  for  having 
escaped  an  undesirable  detention  in  New  York. 

The  trip  through  New  Jersey  was  made  with  safety, 
and  the  verdure  of  the  fields  and  the  champagne  blos- 
soms of  the  orchards  inclined  many  of  the  company  to 
acknowledge  that  this  was  one  of  the  States,  and  not 
an  independent  kingdom,  as  has  been  often  intimated  by 
slanderous  persons.  On  arriving  in  Philadelphia,  a  num- 
ber of  omnibuses,  provided  by  the  Committee  of  Arrange- 
ments, conveyed  the  party  across  the  City  of  Brotherly 
Love  to  the  depot  of  the  Baltimore  Railroad.  Here  some 
of  the  hungry  ones,  who  had  neglected  to  secure  a  bi'eak- 
fast  on  board  the  Plymouth  Rock,  employed  the  small 
leisure  afforded  them  in  patronizing  the  eating-houses 
near  at  hand,  a  proceeding  which  was  hardly  necessary, 
for  sandwiches  and  other  refreshments  were  provided  by 


14  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

the  officers  of  the  Philadelphia,  Wilmington,  and  Balti- 
more Railroad  Company  in  their  cars  for  this  especial 
occasion. 

The  journey  grew  more  delightful  as  they  proceeded 
southward,  the  vegetation  of  the  country  on  either  hand 
unfolding  itself  in  greater  and  still  greater  profusion  ;  and 
the  excursionists  were  interested  in  noting  the  gradations 
of  forwardness  in  the  gardens  and  fields,  as  they  receded 
from  the  direction  of  the  Arctic  regions  and  approached 
the  tropics.  The  children  were  barefoot  in  New  Jersey, 
the  peas  were  in  blossom  around  Philadelphia,  and  in 
"Washington  they  found  trees,  flowers,  and  plants  in  full 
foliage  and  bloom. 

The  most  disagreeable  portion  of  the  trip  was  that 
between  Baltimore  and  Washington,  where  the  company 
were  crowded  into  somewhat  scanty  space  in  the  train, 
riding  in  a  cloud  of  dust  that  would  have  done  credit  to 
Sahara. 

They  arrived  in  Washington  at  six  o'clock,  and  were 
met  at  the  raih'oad  station  by  the  Sir  Knights  of  Wash- 
ington Commandery  No.  1,  B.  B.  French,  Eminent 
Grand  Commander,  arrayed  in  full  regalia,  and  accom- 
panied by  Withers's  Brass  Band.  The  Commanderies 
formed  in  line  and  were  escorted  to  the  Capitol  and 
marched  through  the  public  grounds,  and  thence  up 
Pennsylvania  Avenue  to  their  quarters  at  the  National 
HoteL 

Seldom  has  the  sun  gilded  with  his  declining  rays  a 
fairer  scene  than  on  that  afternoon.  Witbin  the  area  of 
the  public  grounds,  surrounded  with  thick,  clustering  trees 
heavy  laden  with  foliage,  were  some  thousands  of  specta- 
tors,—  handsomely  dressed  ladies  and  gentlemen,  matrons 
and  frolicking  children,  white  babies  enveloped  in  lace  in 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  15 

the  arms  of  black  nurses,  like  bouquets  of  lilies  in  ebony 
holders,  —  the  Marine  Band,  in  scarlet  uniform,  occupy- 
ing a  stand  in  the  centre ;  and  when  the  long  procession 
of  Sir  Knights  marched  around  the  semicircular  avenue, 
which  sweeps  past  the  steps  of  the  Capitol,  to  the  thrill- 
ing sounds  of  martial  music,  the  picture  was  an  animating 
and  exceedingly  beautiful  one. 

Having  arrived  at  the  National  Hotel,  there  was  much 
ablution  and  dusting  of  apparel,  and  some  bewailing  the 
mischance  by  which  the  baggage  of  the  party  had  been 
detained  one  train,  —  so  that  the  travellers  were  bereft 
of  their  fresh  wardrobe  until  the  next  morning.  It  was 
not  possible,  however,  to  remain  uncomfortable  for  any 
great  length  of  time  under  the  care  and  attentions  be- 
stowed upon  them  by  their  hosts.  An  excellent  supper 
at  eight  o'clock  had  a  wonderful  effect  in  restoring  their 
spirits,  after  the  necessarily  irregular  meals  they  had 
taken  for  the  last  twenty-four  hours.  The  evening  was 
spent  by  each  accoi"ding  to  his  pleasure.  Some  strolled 
upon  the  Avenue,  and  others  gave  their  attention  to  the 
music  of  Gilmore's  Band,  in  front  of  the  hotel,  which 
attracted  a  crowd  of  admiring  listeners.  Later  in  the 
evening,  a  number  of  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  with 
the  Providence  Band,  proceeded  to  the  White  House  and 
serenaded  the  PresidcTit. 

Ml'.  Buchanan,  who  had  retired,  came  to  his  chamber- 
window,  and  addressed  them  briefly.  He  thanked  them 
for  the  compliment  paid  him,  and  said  that  their  music 
was  good ;  but  there  was  something  more  charming  to 
him  than  music,  —  the  good  wishes  and  kind  regards  of 
his  fellow-citizens.  He  rejoiced  to  see  his  friends  from 
the  East,  on  their  way  to  Virginia.  He  believed  that 
these  visits  of  men  of  the  Nortli  to  men  of  the  South, 
and  men  of  the  South  to  men  of  the  North,  were  calcu- 


16  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

lated  to  do  away  their  prejudices  against  each  other,  and 
promote  a  national  feeling  among  those  who  ought  to  be 
brothers.  He  was  sure  that,  the  better  they  know  each 
other,  the  better  they  will  like  each  other.  The  President 
wished  the  party  a  pleasant  journey  to  Richmond,  and 
hoped  that  on  their  return  he  might  see  them  by  daylight, 
take  them  by  the  hand,  and  extend  to  them  the  honors 
of  the  White  House. 

The  party  then  proceeded  to  the  mansion  of  the  Mayor, 
and  serenaded  him.  Mayor  Berrett  promptly  made  his 
appearance,  and  thanked  them  cordially  for  the  compli- 
ment in  a  brief  and  happily  worded  speech. 

Nothing  now  remained  for  the  Sir  Knights  but  to  retire, 
and  prepare  for  the  coming  Sabbath. 

At  the  first  roll-call  in  "Washington,  the  excursion  party 
was  found  to  consist  of  the  foUowinfj  Sir  Knights :  — 


GRAND   ENCAMPMENT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS  AND   RHODE 
ISLAND. 

WixsLOW  Lewis,  M.  D.,  Grand  Master. 
John  Flixt,  M.  D.,  Past  Grand  Master. 

DE  MOLAY  ENCAMPMENT,   OF   BOSTON. 

William  Parkmax,  M.  E.  G.  Commander. 

Charles  Robbixs,  Generalissimo. 

John  S.  Tyler,  Captain-General. 

L.  L.  Tarbell,  Prelate. 

P.  Adams  Ames,  Senior  Warden. 

Bexjamix  Deax,  Junior  Warden. 

JoHX  A.  CuMMixGS,  Treasurer. 

S.  H.  Gregory,  Recorder. 

Isaac  Gary,  Sword-Bearer. 


J.  J.  WhITIXG,    }    c,        1       1  r> 

^  ,,^  ^^  f  otandard-JJearers. 

S.  W.  Nichols,  > 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS. 


17 


William  B.  Fowle,  Jr.,  Warder. 
William  F.  Davis,  Third  Guard. 
Caleb  Eatox,  Second  Guard. 
MARLBOEOUGn  WiLLiAMS,  First  Guard. 
John  Bigelow,  Sentinel. 
Eben  F.  Gay,  Armorer. 


C.  H.  Appleton, 
H.  E.  Armington, 
W.  K.  Bacall, 
E.  C.  Bailey, 
Benjamin  Beal, 
Moses  H.  Bliss, 
Edward  Bush, 
Francis  Bush, 
W.  W.  Capen, 
T.  H.  Carruth, 
J.  H.  Cheney, 
George  W.  Churchill, 
William  Clapp, 
Cyrus  T.  Clarke, 
John  IVI.  Clarke, 
S.  W.  Clifford, 
J.  II.  Collins, 
Edwin  Covington, 
A.  S.  Cushman, 
J.  S.  Damrell, 
C.  K.  Darling, 
C.  A.  Davis, 
Henry  Davis, 
C.  H.  Dillaway, 
Pierpont  Edwards, 
C.  J.  Fox, 
S.  L.  French, 
Nathan  Frye, 
Benjamin  Graves, 
Gardner  Greenlcaf, 


Peter  C.  Jones, 

James  D.  Kent, 

Carmi  E.  Iving, 

C.  B.  Leavitt, 

Job  Lockwood, 

James  M.  Lowden, 

AVarren  ^Mallard, 

William  B.  May, 

John  F.  Mills,  ' 

Henry  MuUiken, 

S.  D.  Nickerson, 

Charles  B.  Rice, 

J.  ]\I.  Richardson, 

C.  E.  Robinson, 

Thomas  Sprague, 

George  Stimpson,  Jr. 

William  Sutton, 

B.  F.  Tenny, 

II.  F.  Thomas, 

Jacob  Todd, 

S.  A.  Tripp, 

E.  G.  Tucker, 

Job  A.  Turner, 

J.  W.  AVar<l, 

G.  Washington  Warren, 

II.  W.  Wairen, 

W.  A.  Williams, 

Hamilton  AVilli.s, 

II.  T.  Woods. 


18  PILGRIMAGE   TO   \1RGIXIA 

ST.  JOHN'S  EXCAMPMENT,  NO.  1,  OF  PROMDENCE. 

Under  the  jurisdiction  of  ^lassachusetts  and  Riiode  Island. 

William  C.  Barker,  31.  E.  G.  Commander. 

William  B.  Blandixg,  Generalissimo. 

Oliver  Johxson,  Captain-General. 

J.  B.  BoRDEX,  Prelate. 

A.  C.  Eddy,  Senior  Warden. 

George  Amsdex,  Junior  Warden. 

Hexry  Butler,  Treasurer. 

Samuel  B.  Swax,  Recorder. 

G.  T.  SwARTS,  Standard-Bear er. 

A.  B.  Rice,  Sword-Bearer. 

Joiix   Shepley,  Warder. 

E.  B.  White,  Sentinel. 

A.  B.  Gardxer,  Third  Guard. 

Levi  L.  Webster,  Second  Guard. 

Daxiel  Wightmax,  First  Guard. 

George  Jexks,  Armorer. 

Henry  Alden,  G.  F.  Fales, 

S.  C.  Ai-nold,  C.  B.  Earns  worth, 

T.  H.  Barton,  S.  Fifield, 

Joseph  Belcher,  Alfred  W.  Fisk, 

Thomas  Booth,  A.  B.  Gardner, 

Russell  Briggs,  E.  Goddard, 

B.  J.  Brown,  C.  A.  Hall, 

R.  C.  Brown,  W.  A.  Haywood, 

William  H.  Brown,  Robert  Henry, 

William  Butler,  William  Hicks, 

F.  W.  Capron,  Wilham  Ingram, 

James  E.  Carpenter,  A.  F.  Jenks, 

B.  J.  Chace,  S.  A.  Jenks, 

J.  Cudworth,  Jr.  C.  B.  Manchester, 

B.  P.  Cunningham,  Perez  Mason, 

Charles  R.  Dennis,  J.  E.  Morrill, 

George  Earle,  E.  J.  Nightingale, 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS. 


19 


F.  A.  Page, 
Stephen  Payne, 
E.  F.  Pendleton, 
John  ]M.  Remington, 

A.  G.  Russell, 

G.  A.  Sagendorph, 
J.  S.  Simmons, 

B.  A.  Slocum, 
George  H.  Smith, 


Henrj-  L.  Smith, 
Simri  Smith, 
Horace  H.  Snow, 
E.  J.  Titcomb, 
C.  D.  Tuttle, 
E.  W.  Walker, 
E.  B.  Williams, 
Shepley  W.  Wilson. 


20  PILGRIMAGE  TO   VIRGIXIA 


CHAPTER     III 


Sunday  in  Washington.  —  Sermons  of  Eea'.  William  D.  Haley 
AND  Eev.  B,  Sunderland. 


Sunday  morning,  May  15th,  the  Sir  Knights  arose 
refreshed  with  sleep,  and  their  eyes  were  still  further 
refreshed  with  the  sight  of  their  baggage,  piled  up  moun- 
tains high  in  the  office  of  the  hotel.  Their  Sunday  toilet 
made  and  breakfast  eaten,  they  repaired,  at  the  hour  of 
morning  service,  to  the  First  Unitarian  Church,  by  invi- 
tation, to  listen  to  a  sermon  prepared  expressly  for  the 
occasion  by  the  pastor  of  that  church  and  congregation, 
Rev.  William  D.  Haley.  This  discourse  was  listened  to 
with  much  gratification  by  the  Sir  Knights. 

Li  the  evening,  an  invitation  having  been  extended  to 
the  Encampments  by  Rev.  B.  Sunderland,  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  to  attend  the  services  at  his  place  of 
worsliip,  they  repaired  thither  at  the  hour  appointed,  and 
were  further  edified  by  an  excellent  discourse  from  that 
reverend  gentleman. 

On  the  same  evening.  Sir  Knight  Parkman,  Com- 
mander of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  at  the  desire  of 
his  command,  addressed  a  note  to  each  of  these  reverend 
gentlemen,  with  a  request  that  they  would  permit  their 


OF   THE  KMGHTS   TEMPLARS.  21 

discourses  to  be  printed  under  the  auspices  of  the  En- 
campment. 

To  Eev.  Mr.  Haley  he  addressed  the  following,  and 
received  the  subjoined  reply:  — 

National  Hotel,  Washington, 
May  15,  1859. 
Rev.  William  D.  Haley  :  — 

Dear  Sir  Knight  and  Brother,  —  The  Sir  Knights  of  De 
Molay  Encampment,  Boston,  and  their  brothers  accompany- 
ing, Su"  Knights  of  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  Providence, 
who  at  your  kind  invitation  were  favored  with  the  privilege  of 
listening  to  your  eloquent  discoiu-se  this  morning,  deshe  that  it 
should  be  printed,  in  order  that  its  excellent  precepts  may 
serve  for  the  edification  of  others  who  were  not  so  fortunate  as 
to  accompany  us  on  our  Southern  Pilgrimage.  If  the  kindness 
you  have  manifested  toward  us  may  be  so  far  extended  as  to 
furnish  a  copy  of  your  address  for  pubhcation,  you  will  confer 
a  great  favor  upon  the  Sir  Knights  from  Boston  and  Provi- 
dence, and  upon 

Yours,  fraternally, 

WILLIAM   PARKMAN, 
Commander  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  Boston. 


371  Third  Sti-ect,  Washington, 
May  16,  1859. 

Sir  Kxight  Parkmax:  — 

Dear  Sir  Knight  and  Brother,  —  Please  convey  to  the  Sir 
Knights  of  De  Molay  and  St.  John's  Encampments  my  grateful 
thanks  for  theu*  kind  request.  ]\Iy  sermon  was  partly  extem- 
porized, and  the  manuscrij)t  is  not  as  well  prepared  as  it  might 
have  been  for  the  hands  of  the  printer.  But  if  it  is  deemed 
worthy  of  the  press  by  tlie  Sir  Knights  who  listened  to  its  de- 
livery, I  shall  most  cheerfully  comply  with  their  request,  and 
herewith  transmit  a  copy,  which  is  at  your  service. 

While  I  am  writing,  permit  me  to  express  my  deep  regret, 


22  PILGEIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

and  the  keen  sense  of  mortification  felt  by  my  congregation, 
that  by  inadvertence,  in  taking  up  our  usual  contribution,  we 
should  have  taxed  those  whom  we  desired  to  treat  as  guests. 
No  woi'ds  can  express  my  humiliation  over  this  mistake. 
Fraternally  yours, 

WILLIAM  D.  HALEY. 


SERMON. 

"  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  hi  the  Cross  of  our  Loi-d  Jesus 
Christ."  —  Gal.vtiaxs  vi.  14. 

The  Cross  has  not  always  contained  the  same  symbolism  that 
now  belongs  to  it ;  time  was  when  it  was  a  felon's  badge,  and 
was  shunned  as  indicating  the  last  end  of  infamy.  The  great 
prejudice  against  Christianity  wliich  existed  in  the  first  two  or 
three  centuries  of  its  histor}',  arose  mainly  from  the  fact  of 
Christ's  crucifixion ;  and  no  wonder  that  the  popular  mind 
revolted  from  the  claims  of  Divinity  set  up  in  the  name  of  one 
who  had  perished  in  that  ignominious  way,  when  the  greatest 
of  heathen  orators  fulminated  his  fiercest  bolts  against  the  head 
of  that  tyrant  who  had  actually  crucified  a  Roman  citizen. 

Eighteen  centuries  have  passed  away,  and  the  Cross  every- 
where meets  us ;  it  has  become  the  most  honored  symbol  of 
our  race  ;  on  hill-tops  and  in  valleys,  on  banners,  on  churches, 
and  adorning  the  person,  —  everywhere  we  behold  the  Cross. 

Now  here  is  a  fact  which  needs  no  hard  logic  for  its  demon- 
stration, and  no  extraordinary  mental  endowments  for  its  com- 
prehension ;  but  it  is  a  fact  of  the  greatest  importance,  and 
contains  the  most  cheering  evidence  of  the  divinity  and  suffi- 
ciency of  the  Christian  religion.  Through  a  period  of  nearly 
nineteen  centuries,  an  instrument  of  punishment  most  feared 
and  despised  has  been  continually  gaining  a  firmer  hold  of  the 
affections  of  mankind.  I  say  a  firmer  hold,  for,  notwithstand- 
ing the  superstitious  veneration  paid  to  It  during  the  dark 
media?val  days  of  fear,  I  doubt  if  ever  the  Cross  had  a  deeper 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  23 

moi'al  significance  or  a  greater  moral  power  than  it  has  this 
day  ;  and  I  hope  the  time  will  come  when  every  church  and 
every  house  will  contain  that  potent  sign, — when  indeed  it  will 
become  so  potent  that  it  may  banish  every  vestige  of  Pagan- 
ism, so  that  none  may  fear  that  his  reverence  for  this  great 
Christian  memorial  will  be  considered  idolatrous. 

Xow  lay  aside  all  metaphysics  and  all  polemics,  and  here  is 
proof  immistakable  and  unassailable,  that  some  great  moral 
power  has  at  some  period  been  connected  with  the  Cross,  so  as 
entirely  to  change  its  association  in  the  human  mind  from 
strong  disgust  to  admiration  and  love.  The  Ci'oss  of  Christ 
■was  made  of  ordinary  wood,  but  while  the  timbers  of  all  other 
crosses  have  decayed  and  been  forgotten,  this  symbol  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  become  unmortal,  and  its  blood-stained 
arms  have  never  ceased  to  be  eloquent  enough  to  move  the 
heart  and  point  the  way  to  glory.  Surely  there  is  something 
in  this  fact  for  the  most  sceptical  to  respect  and  consider. 
You  may  say  the  Bible  is  a  forgery  and  the  miracles  only  Mes- 
merism, you  may  rail  at  ordinances  and  sneer  at  priestcraft ; 
Ijut  here  is  a  dumb  form  of  w^ood  which  somehow  becomes  the 
universally  accepted  sjinbol  of  tender  Love,  of  enduring, 
courageous  Faith,  of  inspiring  Hope,  and  world-wide  Charity. 
If  this  is  imposture,  then  must  all  liumanity  have  conspired  to 
cheat  itself. 

I  do  not  intend,  liowever,  to  speak  now  of  tlie  theology  of 
the  Cross ;  —  would  God  all  men  Avere  willing  to  take  from 
it  the  divine  moral  power  which  it  contains,  and  were  also 
content  to  allow  the  handwriting  of  dogmatism  to  be  nailed  to 
it,  never  to  be  disturbed  by  mortal  hands  again  !  I  wish,  in 
the  short  time  I  shall  require  your  attention,  to  consider  its 
Moral  Symbolism,  its  religious,  not  its  doctrinal  aspects. 

I.  The  Cross  of  Christ  teaches  the  sublimest  lesson  of 
Hope. 

It  is  very  natural  f(jr  us  to  feel  in  our  desp(jii(lency,  when 
remorse,  calamity,  or  bereavement  overtakes  us,  that  wc  are 
the  greatest  of  earthly  sufferers,  that  the  heavy  hand  of  the 
Almighty  is  laid  wrathfuUy  upon  us ;  and  then  there  is  but  a 


24  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

short  transition  from  sorrow  to  desiDair.  But  when,  in  our 
deepest  trouble,  the  Cross  flashes  upon  our  vision,  and  we  re- 
member tliat  Life,  all  devoted  to  goodness  and  mercy,  everj- 
moment  of  it  used  in  the  service  of  his  Father  in  Heaven  and 
his  brethren  on  earth ;  when  we  remember  the  misfortune  which 
dogged  his  steps  like  a  relentless  fate,  and  the  agony  in  which 
his  earthly  career  culminated,  —  we  are  forced  to  believe  that 
God  may,  for  some  wise  object,  permit  suffering,  may  even 
look  down  upon  the  cruellest  martj-rdom  of  his  creatures,  and 
still  be  kind,  and  have  reserved  in  the  treasury  of  heaven  an 
ample  recomjiense.  O,  many  a  soul,  all  discouraged,  and  re- 
fusing to  be  comforted  by  mortal  words  of  condolence,  has 
looked  tearfully  upwards  to  the  sky,  and  beheld,  like  Constan- 
tino, a  fiery  cross  beneath  the  sun,  and  on  it  the  inscription, 
"  Ix  HOC  SIGXO  VINCES  ! "  —  By  this  sign  thou  shalt  conquer! 
But  unlike  that  warlike  prince,  who  only  half  interpreted  the 
meaning  of  the  mysterious  presage,  and  so  inscribed  it  ujion  mil- 
itary standards  to  be  the  inspiration  of  physical  conflicts,  the 
trusting,  devout  soul  engraves  the  message  upon  the  heart,  and 
bears  it  upon  the  leading  banner  in  the  warfare  of  endurance. 
It  is  the  symbol  of  hope  to  the  weak,  the  tempted,  even  to 
the  fallen.  In  those  hours  when  the  spirit  becomes  faint  and 
its  foes  gain  vantage-ground,  —  in  those  hours  which  make  the 
word  Kepentance  intelligible,  —  in  those  hours  when  the  abase- 
ment of  the  soul  causes  the  majesty  of  God  to  seem  very 
awful  and  his  presence  very  actual,  —  we  turn  from  the  cold 
philosophies  and  jarring  theories  of  men  to  that  exhibition  of 
love  with  which  the  Cross  is  now  for  ever  associated.  In  such 
experiences  we  do  not  think  of  the  possible  effect  of  that  won- 
derful transaction  upon  the  Almighty  Will  and  purposes,  we 
do  not  relinquish  our  conviction  of  God's  unchangeable  and 
everlasting  mercy ;  but  we  catch  one  rapturous  glance  of  that 
Great  Sufferer,  and  he  is  taken  to  our  bosom  ;  we  hang  upon 
his  last  words,  as  the  words  of  hope  for  us  ;  his  promise  to  the 
penitent  thief  lends  a  divine  emphasis  to  his  parable  of  the 
Prodigal  Son  ;  his  wail  of  agony  is  forgotten  in  the  triumphant 
crv,  "  It  is  finished."     And  so  we  rise  with  him  from  our  cross 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  25 

to  the  glory  above  ;  bitter  as  may  be  our  self-reproaclies, 
keen  as  may  be  our  anguish,  fearful  as  the  darkness  and  rock- 
ing earthquake  that  surround  us,  we  catch  one  glimpse  of  the 
Ascension  Mount,  and  grow  strong,  and  believe,  and  live. 
There  was  more  than  ascetic  fanaticism  stirring  in  the  hearts 
of  those  old  penitents,  who,  retiring  from  the  world  to  seek 
relief  from  sin,  remorse,  or  bereavement,  wearily  and  sadly 
meditated  iipon  time  and  eternity  in  the  gray  cloisters  of  old 
monasteries,  and,  as  the  soft  strains  of  plaintive  music  dis- 
turbed the  moonlit  silence,  felt  their  hearts  singing.  In  spite  of 
their  sins  or  sorrows,  that  grand  Jithilate  which  modern  jDoetr}' 
interprets  thus :  — 

"  In  the  Cross  of  Christ  I  glory, 

Towering  o'er  the  •vsTCcks  of  time  ; 
All  the  light  of  sacred  story 
Gathers  round  its  head  sublime. 

"  When  the  woes  of  life  o'ertake  me, 
Hopes  deceive,  and  fears  annoy, 
Never  shall  tlie  Cross  forsake  me ; 
Lo  !  it  glows  with  peace  and  joy. 

"Bane  and  blessing,  pain  and  pleasure, 
By  the  Cross  are  sanctified  ; 
Peace  is  there  that  knows  no  measure, 
Joys  that  tlu'ough  all  time  abide." 

Following  these  penitents  to  their  poor  cells,  we  should  find 
not  much  of  comfort  and  nothing  of  luxury ;  in  those  days 
penance  was  not  clothed  in  purple  or  fed  sumptuously.  "  Lord 
have  mercy  upon  us,  miserable  sinners ! "  had  an  awfully  real 
and  imploring  contrition  attached  to  it ;  instead  of  perfumes, 
the  last  fashions,  and  smirking  Pharisaism  that  would  scorn  a 
heaven  where  there  arc  no  carriages  and  parties,  the  accesso- 
ries of  tliis  self-condemnatory  petition  then  were  sackcloth,  and 
scourgings  till  the  sufferer  fainted,  and  his  or  her  body  became 
emaciated.  The  abode  of  these  stern,  old-fashioned  penitents 
had  but  few  ornaments,  and  these  consisted  of  a  skull,  an  hour- 


26  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

glass  to  mark  the  rapid  flight  of  their  lives,  and  a  crucifix 
■with  the  form  of  the  Great  Sufferer  stretched  upon  it,  as  if  in 
his  last  agony.  Looking  in  their  lonely  meditations  upon  that 
skull  which  seemed  with  its  lipless  mouth  to  smile  grimly  at 
the  vanities,  lusts,  and  ambitions  of  life,  they  grew  humble  as 
they  remembered  that  even  the  mind  would  one  day  leave  its 
temple  vacant  and  return  to  Him  who  gave  it ;  the  fast  ebbing 
sands  in  the  hour-glass  made  them  shudder,  as  the  conviction 
stole  over  them,  that  life  was  too  short  for  penitence.  And 
then  they  turned  for  Hope  to  the  Crucifix,  and  while  their 
hearts  melted  into  sympathetic  tears,  their  narrow  rooms  were 
illuminated  with  glory  as  a  vision  of  the  Ascension  filled  their 
souls  with  divine  transports ;  they  knew  they  had  washed  away 
their  sins,  and  went  foi'th  no  longer  pilgrims,  but  Knights  of 
the  consecrated  Cross. 

Those  were  days  when  symbols  were  more  impressive  than 
now,  because  with  the  great  mass  of  the  people  pictures  and 
forms  were  the  only  books.  And  yet  it  seems  to  me  that  we 
might  profit  more  than  we  do  by  symbols.  It  would  not  be 
superstition  or  folly  for  us  to  seclude  ourselves  occasionally, 
pilgrim-like,  in  some  penitential  cell,  to  reflect  upon  the  shad- 
ows we  pursue,  u^jon  the  idols  we  worship  under  the  false 
names  of  honor,  distinction,  wealth.  It  would  be  no  loss  to 
us  if  some  skull  should  be  in  our  sight  to  remind  us  that  we 
are  mortal ;  it  would  not  be  wrong,  I  think,  to  look  upon  the 
running  sands  in  an  hour-glass  to  quicken  our  conviction  of 
the  brevity  of  human  life ;  it  would  not  be  idolatry,  if,  gazing 
upon  the  Crucifix,  we  found  ourselves  weeping  bitter  tears 
over  our  recreancy  to  Him  who  suffered  so  much  for  us ;  and 
if  then,  while  our  hearts  were  tender,  some  bright  vision  of 
his  triumphant  ascension  gladdened  our  sight,  we  should  go 
forth  better  armed  and  equipped  for  the  Crusade  of  Life. 

n.  The  Cross  of  Christ  is  the  most  appropriate  svmbol 
of  Faith. 

The  coldest  admirers  of  Jesus  have  wondered  at  his  sublime 
heroism,  and  from  the  day  when  his  form  was  stretched  on  the 
cruel  tree,  the  Cross  became  the  appropriate  sj-mbol  of  sane- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  27 

tified,  courageous  Faith.  So  much  true  Faith  hung  upon  it 
that  day,  that  a  virtue  of  inspiration  has  clung  about  it  and 
<Tone  forth  from  it  ever  since.  When  those  who  in  the  hour 
of  their  Lord's  extremity  had  deserted  him,  once  more  looked 
upon  that  fatal  Cross,  a  new  energy  possessed  them,  and,  dis- 
graceful as  was  the  instrument  of  his  suffering,  they  conde- 
scended to  no  concealment,  attempted  no  compromise  with 
popular  prejvidice,  but  everywhere  preached  Christ  and  him 
crucified.  They  were  not  content  to  rely,  as  they  might  have 
done,  upon  the  mighty  words  he  had  spoken,  but  into  the  ear 
of  Jew  and  Greek,  high  and  low,  they  poured  the  whole  story 
of  the  Crucifixion,  and  the  victory  over  death  in  the  Resurrec- 
tion and  Ascension.  And  then,  when  the  truths  Christ  had 
revealed  were  placed  beside  the  facts  of  his  history,  hard 
hearts  were  melted,  obdurate  wills  relented,  and  established 
prejudices  were  swept  away.  It  was  a  great  miracle,  this 
entire  revolution  of  the  symbolic  meaning  of  the  Cross  from 
infamy  to  noblest  Faith;  but  It  was  wrought  by  endurance 
and  courage. 

In  later  times  the  Cross  was  worn  as  the  symbol  of  faith 
and  courage  by  those  rude  but  chivalric  men,  who,  Insjiii-ed 
by  a  knightly  longing  to  rescue  the  Saviour's  tomb  from  the 
possession  of  the  Moslemin,  settled  and  ~  fortified  rock-girt 
Islands  In  mid-ocean,  and  from  their  fastnesses,  maintained 
at  the  price  of  exile  from  all  that  was  dear  to  them,  hurled 
their  power  from  time  to  time  against  the  Saracenic  hordes  who 
thronged  the  mainland.  By  these  the  Cross  was  deemed  the 
most  fitting  device  for  shield  and  banner  and  sword-hilt,  and 
after  long  and  peiilous  lives  spent  In  obedience  to  their  vews 
to  protect  Innocence  and  vindicate  the  Christian  religion,  these 
stern  old  iron-clad  men  asked  no  higher  earthly  distinction 
than  to  sleep  with  their  crossed  feet  pointing  to  the  eastward ; 
and  in  the  Old  World,  cathedrals  and  moss-covered  churches 
are  filled  with  the  sculptured  efiigles  of  those  whose  names 
and  honors  time  has  obliterated,  but  whose  crossed  feet  tell  of 
their  zeal,  and  preach  tluis  to  the  distant  centuries  of  the  Faith 
inspired  by  the  Cross. 


28  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \aRGINIA 

Brethren,  there  is  a  lesson  for  us  in  this  page  of  history;  -we 
need  not  put  on  an  armor  of  steel,  or  unsheathe  the  sword  to 
do  war  with  wrong ;  but  we  need  every  one  of  us  to  feel 
that  we  have  long  enough  worn  the  pilgi-im's  garb,  and  mourned 
and  lamented  over  the  world,  —  it  is  time  now  to  go  forth  as 
anointed  knights  to  do  battle  with  a  thousand  foes  more  subtle, 
more  vengeful  than  steel  or  gunpowder.  Innocence  suffers, 
want  pleads,  blasphemy,  lust,  crime,  all  walk  your  streets  in 
broad  daylight  and  flaunt  their  challenges  in  your  faces.  It 
was  an  olden  fancy  that  the  sign  of  the  Cross  had  power  to 
exorcise  demons.  And  yet  it  was  not  all  a  fancy  either ;  for 
the  message  is  as  fresh,  and  more  potent,  to-day,  as  when  Con- 
stantine  fancied  he  discerned  it  in  words  of  flame,  "  Ix  HOC 
SIGNO  VINCES  ! "  By  this  sign  thou  slialt  conquer !  —  the  sign 
of  endurance,  the  sign  of  labor,  the  sign  of  hope,  the  sign  of 
Faith,  —  it  is  under  that  sign  that  we  must  attack  and  over- 
throw the  cohorts  of  evil.  And  how  much  territory  there  is 
for  the  occupation  of  the  army  of  Universal  Benevolence  ! 

We  have  tamed  long  enough  in  our  lonely  theological  islands ; 
let  us  engrave  the  Cross  upon  our  weapons,  gather  all  the 
Christian  army  into  one  vast  band,  and  under  the  old  inspira- 
tion of  Faith  march  forward  to  victory.  This  brings  us  to  the 
last  consideration  which,  owing  to  the  short  time  I  have  had 
for  preparation,  I  propose  to  discuss. 

III.  The  Cross  is  the  symbol  of  Charity. 
The  outstretched  arms  of  the  Cross  are  mute  preachers  of 
fraternity ;  through  all  the  weary  centuries  those  dumb  ora- 
tors have  been  imploring  humanity  to  abandon  its  digging 
and  raking  amongst  the  rubbish  of  old  temples,  and  to  put 
brotherly  hands  to  the  work  of  constructing  a  fairer  edifice. 
There  is  a  temple  building  more  beautiful  than  Solomon  ever 
dreamed  of;  noiselessly  but  rapidly  it  is  rising  from  the  ruins 
of  old  superstitions  and  old  atheisms.  "WTien  it  shall  be  com- 
pleted and  the  capstone  elevated  to  its  place,  the  edifice  will 
bear  on  its  outer  portals  this  inscriijtion :  "  Dedicated  to  God 
for  the  worship  of  All  Souls."  The  cement  of  that  rare  build- 
ing is  Charity ;  not  the  mere  doling  out  of  occasional  alms,  but 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  29 

tliat  Charity  wliicli  extends  to  opinions  and  acts.  AYe  begin  to 
understand,  and  it  is  time  for  ns  to  have  learned  the  lesson, 
that  the  centre  of  all  Christian  theology  is  the  Cross;  that  we  are 
all  successors  of  those  Apostles  who,  after  the  ascension  of  their 
Master,  wei*e  scattered  in  divers  directions,  preaching  in  a  vari- 
ety of  tongues,  and  by  the  use  of  different  forms,  the  same  Gos- 
jiel.  Mj-  brethren,  you  very  appropriately  wear  the  Cross  upon 
your  clothing,  and  carry  it  with  you  upon  your  banners  and 
regalia  ;  it  is  a  great  symbol,  but  its  virtue  can  never  be  tested 
until  it  is  engraven  upon  every  one  of  your  hearts.  It  is  not 
enough  that  we  have  Faith  and  Hope,  —  greatly  as  these  qual- 
ities are  needed  by  the  Church  and  the  world,  —  but  what 
says  the  Apostle  ?  "  2sow  abideth  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  these 
three ;  but  the  greatest  of  these  is  Charity."  So,  too,  our 
worldly  experience  and  worldly  wisdom  would  declare,  "  Tlie 
greatest  of  these  is  Charity."  jNIany  a  well-clad  body  contains 
a  tortured  mind  that  needs  sympathy,  and  yet  the  compassion 
that  would  spring  to  relieve  the  want  expressed  by  ragged 
garments  and  bleeding  feet  is  dammed  up  and  turned  into  less 
useful  channels  when  this  poor  soul  seeks  fellowship  and  help. 
I  regret  to  say  that  many  religious  people  seem  to  have  sym- 
pathy, compassion,  philanthropy,  advice,  even  money,  for  every- 
thing that  crotchety  brains  can  devise  ;  but  when  theological 
differences  exist  or  arise,  they  seem  to  think  the  Inquisition 
a  very  excellent  institution,  and  in  fancy  calmly  sit  in  the 
judgment-seat  while  the  torture  racks  the  limbs  and  lacerates 
the  flesh  of  all  dissenters.  Would  to  God  it  were  not  neces- 
sary to  speak  this  word ;  but  as  soldiers  of  the  Cross,  I  adjure 
you  to  remember  the  word  of  the  shipwrecked  Apostle,  "  The 
greatest  of  these  is  Charity." 

Let  me  say  to  you,  my  brethren  Avho  are  here  this  morning 
from  two  distant  cities,  both  of  which  I  know  well,  and  love 
much,  that  I  am  very  grateflil  to  you  for  your  attendance  upon 
my  poor  ministry ;  I  have  spoken,  as  you  know,  some  words 
which  it  would  not  be  proper  for  me  more  fully  to  explain.  I 
have  very  faintly  drawn  the  outlines  of  some  thoughts  which 
you  can  fill  uj)  more  profitably  than  I  can  do  it  for  you.     Go 


30  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

forth,  soldiers  of  the  Cross ;  bear  your  badge  upon  your  hearts : 
let  us  all  live  in  peace,  love,  and  unity.  Accept  my  thanks  for 
your  attention,  and  know  that  your  presence  here  this  morn- 
ing will  inci-ease,  if  such  a  thing  be  possible,  my  respect  and 
love  for  that  great  fraternity  which  is  spread  through  all  the 
earth,  visited  by  the  glorious  sun  from  the  time  of  his  rising  in 
the  east,  to  the  closing  of  the  day  in  the  west. 

Finally,  brethren,  in  your  hours  of  trial,  doubt,  despondency, 
or  temptation,  let  the  beatific  vision  nerve  you  for  endurance 
and  struggle  by  reminding  you  of  the  promise, 

'•  In  hoc  sigxo  yi>XES !  " 

Rev.  Mr.  Sunderland  forwarded  bis  Sermon,  with  the 
following  note  to  Sir  Knight  Parkman. 

Washington,  May  18,  1859. 
To  Sir  Knight  William  Parkman  :  — 

I  have  received  the  very  grateful  expressions  of  the  Sir 
Knights  and  Gentlemen  of  De  Molay  and  St.  John's  Encamp- 
ments, as  conveyed  through  their  resolution  by  yourself,  and 
while  returning  to  you  and  to  them  my  humble  acknowledg- 
ments for  their  partiality,  I  herewith  also  submit  the  manu- 
script of  the  discourse  to  Avhich  you  refer,  to  be  disposed  of  as 
you  may  deem  best. 

I  ought  In  justice  to  add,  that  I  had  no  thought  of  its  publi- 
cation. I  have  no  time  to  revise  it,  and  a  portion  of  the  man- 
uscript is  already  in  the  hands  of  Su-  Knight  Williams,  I 
believe  for  another  purjiose.  He  can  readily  restore  it,  I 
doubt  not,  and  so  make  the  best  of  an  effort  which,  if  it  did 
not  altogether  disappoint  my  audience,  or  has  in  any  measure 
served  to  strengthen  in  them  those  sublime  principles  to  the 
support  of  which  we  have  devoted  the  substance  of  our  lives, 
I  may  regard  myseF  as  not  having  entirely  failed  in  contrib- 
uting to  some  pleasing  and  permanent  result. 

Very  truly,  &c. 

B.   SUNDERLAND. 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  31 


S  E  R  ]M  O  X . 

"  And  the  house,  when  it  was  in  building,  was  built  of  stone  made 
ready  before  it  was  brought  thither:  so  that  there  was  neither  hammer, 
nor  axe,  nor  any  tool  of  iron,  heard  in  the  house  while  it  was  in  build- 
ing." —  1  Kings  vi.  7. 

The  temple  of  Solomon  at  Jerusalem  is  here  meant.  It 
was  the  most  magnificent  structure  ever  raised  by  human 
hands.  It  was  after  a  divine  pattern,  and  became  the  symbol 
of  spu'itual  things.  In  this  light  let  us  consider  the  points 
presented  in  the  text. 

1.  How  is  a  structure  to  be  upreared  for  the  service  of  Jeho- 
vah, who  is  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  Lord  of  all  ?  It 
is  indeed  of  perishable  material,  and  will  pass  away,  but  for  the 
ends  to  be  subserved  in  its  erection  it  is  most  wonderful  and 
glorious. 

2.  Again,  its  chief  element  was  of  prepared  stone,  —  one 
of  the  most  enduring  and  imposing  materials  to  be  found  in 
nature  ;  and  the  stone  was  prepared  away  in  distant  places 
before  its  transportation  to  Jerusalem,  —  it  was  quarried,  hewn, 
fitted,  and  polished,  and  finally  brought  by  beasts  of  burden 
into  the  city. 

3.  Again,  this  material  was  built  in,  and  the  house  of  God 
was  erected,  in  comparative  silence,  -there  being  no  noise  of 
any  instrument  of  iron  in  all  the  structure,  —  only  human  foot- 
steps and  the  voice  of  man,  and  the  low  and  steady  hum  of 
labor,  as  of  a  busy  hive  in  summer,  and  a  certain  hush  on  all 
things,  as  under  a  pervading  sanctity.  And  so  the  building 
grew,  and  one  development  came  out  upon  another,  noiseless 
but  sublime,  as  all  great  things  appear,  not  in  the  clamor  and 
violence  of  earth,  but  from  the  deep  mysteries  of  God's  pro- 
founder  silence. 

4.  Consider,  again,  the  profusion  and  variety,  the  manifold 
sources  and  the  stupendous  costliness  of  the  materials,  which 
composed  that  structure.     The  staple  element  was  the  granite 


32  PILGRIMAGE  TO   \TPvGIXIA 

and  marble  of  tlie  earth  ;  but  then  there  was  gold  and  silver 
and  brass  and  h-on ;  then  the  finest  beams  of  cedar,  and  fir,  and 
all  manner  of  choicest  Tvcods ;  then  decorations  of  precious 
stones,  and  carved  work,  and  splendid  appointments,  with  all 
the  finest  hangings  of  curtains  of  richest  texture  and  most 
brilliant  dye.  A  levy  was  laid  upon  all  the  kingdoms  of  na- 
ture and  all  the  sovereignties  of  man  to  furnish  out  this  temple 
of  the  living  God. 

5.  Consider,  again,  the  labor  bestowed  on  the  building : 
first,  in  the  plan  of  it,  then  in  the  preparation  of  it,  then  in  its 
actual  construction.  David,  while  king,  spent  his  thoughts 
thereon.  He  collected  for  its  erection  what  was  equal  to 
forty-eight  thousand  tons  of  gold  and  silver,  besides  immense 
quantities  of  other  materials.  He  secured  the  most  skilful 
artificers  and  mechanics  for  every  part  of  it,  and  gave  the 
design,  plan,  and  location,  but  died  without  seeing  a  single  step 
taken  in  its  erection.  Then  came  Solomon,  his  son,  the  wisest 
of  all  the  monarchs,  who  took  in  hand  the  magnificent  enter- 
prise. But  he  was  not  sufiicient,  and  so  entered  into  a  league 
with  Hiram,  the  king  of  Tyre  ;  and  these  two  wrought  upon  it 
with  all  the  means  in  their  power.  It  is  said,  indeed,  that  there 
was  another ;  but  he  fell  a  victim  to  the  violence  of  subordi- 
nates, and  was  not.  The  number  of  workmen  employed,  it  is 
said,  was  no  less  than  184,000,  of  whom  3,600  were  masters, 
80,000  hewers  of  wood,  70,000  drawers  of  water,  and  30,000 
men  of  the  Jews  skilful  in  all  the  arts  of  design  and  of  cunning 
handicraft, — besides  the  multitudes  of  camels  and  dromedaries 
used  in  the  work  of  transportation.  Look  now  away  into  the 
forests  and  mountain  fastnesses  of  Lebanon ;  go  down  into  the 
rough  gorges  and  mines  of  the  earth,  and  see  the  gangs  of  men 
at  work  ;  hear  the  dull  sound  of  drUl  and  hammer  that  comes 
up  the  sunken  shaft,  or  the  resounding  axe  that  rings  far  oflT 
through  the  woods  where  stalwart  arms  are  hewing  down  the 
trees.  Go  into  ever  so  many  shops  and  places  of  human  inge- 
nuity along  the  coasts  of  Sidon,  and  see  there  the  confusion 
of  blocks  and  timbers  yet  unhewn,  and  note  how  human  toU 
keeps  on  from  morn  to  night,  tasking  so  many  sinews,  and  cov- 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  33 

ering  so  many  brows  with  the  sweat  of  labor.  Stand,  then, 
in  the  gates  of  Jerusalem,  and  see  the  trains  of  men  and  beasts 
of  burden  coming  in  daily  from  all  quarters,  on  every  road,  — 
from  the  mines  and  the  foi'ests,  from  the  mountains  and  the 
plains,  from  the  distant  tents  of  the  workmen,  from  the  busy 
marts  and  havens  of  the  sea,  —  and  bringing  with  them  an- 
other quota  to  be  laid  in  its  place  in  that  sjilendid  pile.  Can 
anything  be  conceived  more  truly  inspiring  than  this  busy  en- 
terprise, that  wrought  up  that  old  Hebrew  temple  which,  at 
the  end  of  seven  and  a  half  years,  stood  there  complete  in  all 
its  glory  and  magnificence,  the  joy  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  most 
noble  edifice  the  world  has  ever  seen  ? 

6.  For  consider,  again,  the  objects  and  associations  of  that 
sacred  structure.  It  was  to  be  emphatically  and  pre-eminently 
the  house  of  the  ineffable  God ;  there  should  He  be  in  visible 
presence,  shining  over  the  ark  of  the  covenant  between  the 
wings  of  cherubim ;  there  should  be  the  oracles  of  eternal 
wisdom  and  the  responses  of  the  Divine  Will  to  man  ;  there 
should  be  the  Aaronic  priesthood  ;  there  a  thousand  sacrifices 
foreshowing  the  lineage  of  Shiloh,  and  keeping  alive  among 
men  the  coming  day  of  a  more  perfect  and  unlimited  expia- 
tion ;  there  should  be  the  morning  and  the  evening  worship, 
as  when  a  nation's  heart  bows  down  in  recognition  of  the  Lord 
of  all ;  there  should  be  the  people's  great  public  and  religious 
festivals ;  thither  should  all  men  turn  their  faces  in  devotion. 
In  that  asylum  of  sanctity,  of  security,  and  of  succor  might 
the  tribes  repose,  around  it  the  national  enthusiasm  swell,  and 
there  all  high-born  sentiments  of  pui'ity,  of  patriotism,  of  piety, 
and  of  ])atriarclial  pride  should  cluster.  The  poor  and  the 
unfortunate  should  there  find  refuge,  the  exile  and  the  captive 
turn  thither  with  longing  heart ;  the  children  of  sorrow  should 
there  find  consolation,  and  the  sinful  and  erring  should  there 
come  for  penitence,  for  sacrifice,  and  for  absolution ;  —  while 
prophets  and  princes,  priests  and  kings,  and  all  the  mighty 
men,  should  gaze  on  that  proud  symbol  of  their  nation's  historic 
glory,  and  kindle  with  many  memories  and  hopes,  as  from  age 
3 


34  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \aRGDaA 

to  age,  through  so  many  generations,  the  fire  still  glowed 
upon  the  altar,  and  the  trumpet  of  the  Levite  announced  the 
hour  of  worship.  Nay,  more,  it  was  the  dwelling-place  of 
many  an  unseen  ministry  of  God,  and  angels  seem  to  have 
trodden  those  consecrated  courts,  and  watched  for  centuries 
the  coming  of  Him  whose  feet  at  last  stood  in  the  temple  as 
he  cried :  "  I  am  the  better  Sacrifice !  I  am  the  Resurrection 
and  the  Life."  Nay,  this  house,  after  many  reverses  and 
changes  of  splendor  and  of  gloom,  through  a  thousand  years, 
beheld  the  final  mystery  of  the  crucifixion  of  the  Son  of  God, 
and  trembled  in  that  hour  when  its  vail  was  rent  in  twain  from 
the  top  to  the  bottom ;  and  after  a  few  years  of  lingering  deso- 
lation, the  sad  departing  angels  sung  their  final  dirge  over 
the  doomed  wonders  of  Moriah,  and  the  walls  fell  before  the 
Roman  cohorts,  who  made  the  spot  as  a  ploughed  field,  over 
which  ages  of  invasion  and  despotism  have  been  rolling  until 
now. 

I  said  this  house  was  emphatically  a  symbol  of  spiritual 
things.  I  want  now  to  show  some  analogies  between  the 
points  considered  and  the  building  up  of  the  human  soul,  — 
which  is  in  itself  a  spiritual  thing,  the  creation  and  the 
temple  of  the  living  God.  We  often  speak  of  human  char- 
acter, which  is  really  nothing  less  than  the  shape  and  nature 
which  the  soul  of  man  takes  on  in  its  growth  and  develop- 
ment here  under  the  discipline  and  culture  of  our  probation. 
At  first  the  soul  is  not  buUt,  —  it  is  but  a  germ  or  spiritual 
principle  of  immortality,  susceptible  of  action  and  increment 
to  the  designed  and  desii-ed  result.  Education  is  the  spiritual 
erection  of  the  soul,  which,  according  to  the  divine  idea  of  its 
existence,  admits  of  enlargement  and  elevation  in  three  dis- 
tinct operations,  of  the  sensibilities,  the  intellect,  and  the  wUl, 
or  of  the  feelings,  thoughts,  and  pui-poses  of  the  mind.  Our 
consciousness  attests  the  action  and  operation  of  building  up 
the  soul  in  these  three  phases  of  our  being,  and  they  cover 
all  the  manifold  movements  and  affections  of  our  experience. 
See,  then,  what  a  creation  and  what  a  structure  here  is  to  be 
made  for  God,  —  a  spiritual  and  immortal  structure  to  be  alive 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  35 

and  grander  in  proportion  wlion  all  the  material  fabrics  of 
this  fair  and  wondrous  creation  are  powdered  into  dust,  a 
temple  for  the  dwelling  and  delight  of  our  adorable  Creator. 
And  every  man  has  such  a  soul,  to  become  such  a  temple,  or 
else  to  be  the  dwelling-place  of  all  abominations ;  that  is  the 
alternative,  and  with  it  goes  inevitably  hand  in  hand  our 
everlasting  happiness  or  misery,  on  it  stand  the  joys  of  heaven 
or  the  pains  of  hell.  Think  then  of  this,  you  whose  souls  are 
building  here  on  earth.  Some  of  you  are  well-nigh  finished, 
and  He  that  is  to  occupy  will  soon  take  up  in  the  house  of 
your  spiritual  existence  his  everlasting  dwelling.  O  shall  it 
be  the  bright  conclave  of  sinless  angels,  and  the  august  pres- 
ence of  the  Heavenly  Father,  or  shall  it  be  the  infernal  furies 
of  perdition,  —  the  giant  of  Remorse  and  the  grim  demon  of 
Despau'  ?  There  in  you  is  the  house  preparing :  day  by  day 
up  goes  the  structure.  Weeks  and  months  and  years  add  all 
their  quota,  and  every  rolling  sun  and  every  passing  midnight 
sees  the  soul  growing  to  completion.  At  length  it  will  be 
finished,  and  to  the  capstone  brought  forth  with  shouting, 
Heaven  shall  set  its  seal  of  approbation  with  high  hosannas 
"  of  grace,  grace  unto  it,"  or  hell  will  groan  in  all  its  horrors 
over  the  completion  of  a  polluted  spu-it. 

2.  Consider  again  the  spiritual  material  which  enters  into 
the  buUding  of  the  soul.  There  is  but  one  element  in  all  the 
universe  that  can  strengthen  and  adorn  the  building,  and  that, 
like  the  hewn  stone  of  the  Hebrew  temple,  is  the  everlasting 
ti-uth  of  Jehovah.  Next  to  God  himself  is  the  spu-ituality  and 
eternity  of  God's  truth,  —  truth  in  all  its  aspects  and  relations, 
truth  in  all  its  attributes  and  qualities ;  for  this  must  underlie 
and  form  the  very  substance  of  all  the  soul's  affections,  plans, 
and  purposes;  it  must  be  the  material  of  all  our  wishes, 
thoughts,  and  resolutions,  in  order  that  our  spiritual  structure 
may  stand  the  test  and  scrutiny  of  ages.  No  mind  can  abide 
the  action  of  an  everlasting,  conscious  being,  that  is  not  built 
on  the  truth  and  of  the  truth,  for  such  spiritual  substance 
alone  is  ever  during,  and  cannot  be  dissolved ;  the  soul  is 
unable  to  have  strength  and  power  which  is  not  formed  of  the 


36  PILGRIMAGE   TO  VIRGINIA 

truth  of  God.  Sins  and  delusions  may  indeed  be  laid  in  the 
structure  of  our  spii-itual  being,  but  they  will  fill  it  with 
corruption,  and  render  it  at  last  a  very  den  of  iniquity.  Ask 
youi'selves,  then,  fellow-men,  of  your  own  conscious  experi- 
ence, what  is  the  substance  of  your  emotions,  your  frames  of 
feeling,  your  many  tempers  of  mind,  that  daily  and  hourly 
appear  looking  out  upon  you  from  within  as  this  spiritual  work 
of  the  soul's  building  proceeds  apace,  and  what  is  the  sub- 
stance of  your  thoughts,  as  well  as  of  your  study,  your  constant 
mental  toil.  What  is  it  that  enters  into  your  convictions,  your 
understanding,  and  your  judgment,  making  up  the  whole  pro- 
portion of  your  spii'itual  estate  ?  What  is  it  which  forms  the 
substance  of  your  will,  your  determinations,  your  motive  and 
excursive  powers  ?  What  makes  up  the  object  of  your  hopes, 
your  aspirations,  your  foresight  and  ambition  ?  what  engrosses 
your  constant  activities,  absorbs  and  takes  you  up  in  all  your 
conscious  being,  —  your  life,  your  conduct,  your  example,  and 
your  influence  ?  Because  whatever  it  may  be  that  is  the 
material  out  of  which  your  soul  is  being  constructed,  that 
enters  as  a  chief  essential  into  your  personal  identity,  and 
forms  the  element  of  your  good  or  ill,  your  joy  or  woe,  your 
glory  or  your  gloom  for  ever.  Then  can  you  not  decide  it,  — 
truth  or  falsehood,  righteousness  or  iniquity,  virtue  or  vice, 
the  good  series  or  the  bad  series,  one  or  the  other  constantly 
building  the  character  of  every  one  of  us,  and  in  that  build- 
ing as  constantly  foreshowing  our  individual  and  final  doom  ? 
And  is  it  not  worth  our  while  to  pause  under  this  inevitable 
consequence  of  our  being,  and  ask  what  we  are  daily  doing 
to  our  souls,  what  materials  of  feeling  and  of  thought  and  of 
purpose  we  are  laying  up  on  the  walls,  and  what  we  are 
allowing  others  to  do  to  our  souls,  and  what  is  being  done  to 
them  by  others  without  our  will,  and  what  we  are  doing  to 
and  for  the  souls  of  others,  what  we  are  fitting  for  ourselves 
and  what  for  our  fellow-men  ? 

And,  moreover,  I  do  conceive  that  it  is  one  of  the  most 
thrilling  conditions  of  our  existence,  that  these  materials 
which  are  to  go  to  make  up  our  soul's  temple  are  fitting,  and 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  37 

have  been  fitting,  and  will  be  incessantly  fitting  around  us, 
near  and  remote,  in  ever  so  many  places,  associations,  circles, 
pursuits,  and  combinations.  Our  frames  of  mind  are  cast  and 
laid  in  spite  of  us,  out  of  ever  so  many  contingencies,  often 
from  tlie  merest  casualties  of  the  day,  and  sometimes  from 
things  which  break  in  a  mighty  sweep,  like  the  thundering 
avalanche  or  the  giant  floods.  Our  thoughts  are  being  hewn 
from  many  a  vast  quarry  of  the  world ;  nay,  the  whole  crea- 
tion is  laid  bare,  and  all  her  stores  are  seamed  and  riven  to 
furnish  forth  the  substance  of  the  human  soul.  All  the  soci- 
eties of  earth,  all  the  empires  of  man  in  ten  thousand 
prospects  open  with  the  hewn  stone  prepared  and  fitted  for 
some  strong  masonry  in  the  uprising  fabric  of  our  spiritual 
nature,  and  every  day  and  every  hour  lays  on  some  new 
material,  for  the  soul  must  be  built  for  God  or  for  the  demons. 
This  is  the  irrevocable  law.  Then,  I  say,  since  truth  only,  and 
more  than  all,  that  truth  which  God  has  himself  prepared  to  go 
into  this  imperishable  structure,  is  above  all  price,  and  indis- 
pensable to  the  proper  erection,  does  it  not  become  every  one 
of  us  to  guard  against  its  displacement  in  the  spiritual  devel- 
opment of  our  being  ?  Nay,  is  it  not  our  most  solemn  duty  to 
see  that  it  is  not  excluded,  distorted,  broken,  and  dishonoi'ed  ? 
Tradition  informs  us,  that  the  keystone  of  the  ancient  temple 
of  Solomon  was  discovered  by  some  imder-workmen  who  knew 
neither  its  place  nor  its  value.  An  unhappy  casualty  had 
consigned  it  to  the  refuse  and  the  rubbish  of  those  long  years 
of  toil,  and  the  temple  remained  long  unfinished,  because 
there  was  none  able  to  supply  the  proportions  and  the  exacti- 
tude of  that  capstone  of  the  splendid  fabric.  Well,  now  God 
has  given  us  the  capstone  of  the  soul  in  the  truth  of  his 
revealed  wisdom.  There  it  is  in  the  Bible,  the  sacred  volume 
of  inspiration.  And  the  hallowed  building  of  the  human 
spirit  shall  remain  for  ever  unfompletcd,  till  the  great  arch 
of  its  mightiest  gateways  Ijc  filled  by  that  crown  and  perfec- 
tion. O,  then,  look  into  the  quarry  of  truth  which  God  has 
opened  there,  take  thence  the  chosen  stones  already  prejiarcd, 
take  hence  the  comely  promises,  take  hence  the  pillars  of 


45r>661 


38  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRCmiA 

instruction,  take  lience  the  corner-stones  of  faith  and  hope 
sCnd  charity  and  patience ;  take  hence  the  chapiters  of  all 
gracious  decorations,  for  all  those  stones  are  fitted  long  ago, 
and  polished  and  prepared,  and  the  providence  of  God,  and 
the  Church  of  God,  and  the  living  ministry,  and  the  dispen- 
sation of  the  Spirit,  and  manifold  prevailing  prayers,  and 
countless  opportunities,  will  bring  them  to  us  and  lay  them 
each  in  its  place  on  the  growing  structure  of  our  soul's  honor. 
O,  see  that  they  are  not  lost  in  the  litter  and  refuse  of  the 
world !  O,  see  they  are  not  trampled  under  foot  of  men,  and 
cast  out  in  the  mouldering  heaps  of  men's  philosophies  and  the 
rotting  delusions  of  successive  generations !  The  hay  and 
stubble  which  the  world  has  heaped  out  of  its  void  imagina- 
tions, its  infidel  arrogance,  and  science  falsely  so  called,  for 
ages,  —  ah  me  !  that  is  not  the  material  wherefrom  to  build  a 
human  soul.  The  atheistic  literature,  the  profane  romance, 
the  cavilling  speculations,  and  all  the  deep  abysm  of  human 
vagaries  which  darkens  down  to  perdition,  —  this  shall  not 
furnish  a  single  element  to  go  into  the  illustrious  temple  of  the 
human  soul,  but  only  those  great  hewn  stones  of  God,  right 
excellent  for  shape  and  beauty,  and  imperishable  for  ever. 
All  else  the  last  fire  shall  burn  them  up ;  but  these,  purified  the 
more  in  every  conflagration,  shall  stand  before  God,  at  once 
the  chief  substance  and  the  crowning  ornament  of  eternity. 

3.  But  consider  again  the  analogy  of  silence.  The  temple 
of  Solomon  was  built  without  clamor  or  violence.  So,  also,  is 
the  temple  of  the  spirit  of  man.  Noise  and  the  din  of  labor 
there  must  be  away  in  the  gorges  where  the  materials  are 
gathered,  —  and  this  explains  what  we  know  of  the  ceaseless 
tumult  and  violence  of  the  present  probation ;  but  when  it 
comes  to  the  spiritual  growth  of  a  Christian  soul,  to  the  laying 
up  its  wishes,  thoughts,  and  purposes  in  the  awful  sanctity  of 
our  own  hidden  consciousness,  then  there  must  be,  there  is,  no 
sound  of  axe  or  of  hammer  or  any  instrument  of  violence. 
And  this  too  is  one  of  the  most  awful  and  soul-subduing  mys- 
teries of  God.  All  great  processes  of  growth  in  man  and  nature 
are  silent,  as  though  it  were  a  fearful  thing  to  be  built.     He 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEJIPLAES.  39 

that  witli  heedless  noise  and  superficial  uproar  rushes  about 
the  edifice  where  a  soul  is  building  up  for  heaven,  violates  the 
sanctity  of  that  august  development,  and  obstructs  the  way  of 
its  progress.  O  Christian,  you  that  see  no  advancement,  that 
hear  no  movement,  that  observe  no  agitation  of  your  own  soul, 
and,  often  cast  down,  begin  to  fear  that  no  work  of  grace  is 
begun  in  you,  think  not  so.  When  the  walls  of  your  spiritual 
house  are  laid,  God  will  have  no  noise ;  too  hallowed  is  that 
work,  too  much  like  God  himself,  too  like  to  Heaven's  own 
holiness,  to  be  mixed  with  the  outcry  and  confusion  of  the  per- 
turbed and  sacrilegious  world.  Away  in  the  deepest  solitude, 
in  the  most  profound  retnement,  —  away  under  the  perceptions 
of  our  own  consciousness,  —  yea,  down  behind  and  beyond  all 
the  penetrations  of  our  sharpest  sensations,  —  come  the  hidden 
workmen,  to  lay  on  —  by  what  process  we  know  not,  nor  when, 
nor  how  —  but  nevertheless  to  lay  on  the  carved  and  polished 
courses  of  the  soul's  magnificent  and  ever-growing  structure, 
as  though  some  companies  of  angels,  with  spirit  feet  treading 
lightly  round  the  chambers  of  the  mind,  bore  thither  the  sub- 
stance of  our  immortality  and  built  it  up  for  us,  while  we,  in 
this  more  gross  and  outward  earthly  being,  may  sit  weeping 
in  our  woe,  and  almost  ready  to  despair.  O  thou  trembling 
child,  all  timid  and  full  of  fears,  all  darkened  and  full  of  doubts, 
for  years  misgiving  in  thine  own  heart,  and  mourning  against 
thyself  that  there  has  been  no  noise  in  thee,  —  that  thou  hast 
never  heard  the  din  and  shouting,  the  violence  and  excitement 
of  the  great  popular  religious  commotion,  that  thou  hast  never 
felt  the  surging  wave  of  a  great  enthusiasm  wafting  thee  to 
the  stars,  and  thinking,  may  be,  on  this  account,  that  thou  art 
not  of  them  who  are  building  for  heavenly  glory,  —  be  appeased 
and  satisfied,  as  thou  shalt  learn  that  God's  most  precious  things 
are  formed  in  silence,  that  it  is  prayer  and  watching,  waiting 
and  patience,  which  build  the  soul.  While  the  temple  of  his 
worship  is  rising,  he  puts  his  hand  on  every  clamorous  insur- 
gent, he  holds  back  all  the  clang  and  turbulence  of  human 
agencies,  and  lets  the  soul  rise  in  majestic  silence  far  up  into 
the  celestial  beauty  and  pattern  of  his  own  glorious  image. 


40  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

Then  do  not  pine  and  murmur  at  this  economy.  There  ■will  be 
shouting  enough  by  and  by,  yea,  and  hosannahs  musical  as  the 
harps  of  Paradise,  in  the  final  jubilation.  Silence  and  awe 
now,  and  deep  mysterious  toil ;  but  yonder,  joy  and  pealing 
anthems  when  aU  the  work  is  done,  and  the  spirit  of  man 
receives  for  ever  the  altar  of  incense  and  the  beams  of  the 
Shechinah. 

4.  Need  I  dwell  on  a  fourth  point  of  analogy,  —  the  variety 
and  costliness  of  the  things  which  enter  into  this  spiritual  con- 
struction of  man  ?  As  I  have  said,  truth  fii'st  and  chief,  the 
prepared  truth  of  God,  and  then  this  in  all  profusion  of  forms 
and  decorations,  —  all  grand  old  doctrines,  all  noble  sentiments, 
all  gentle  graces  bedecking  the  mind  of  man,  —  truth  in  the 
sweet  humanities  and  the  grateful  amenities  of  life,  —  truth  in 
the  unflinching  integrity  of  justice,  and  in  the  flaming  heroism 
of  high-souled  magnanimity  and  honor.  I  need  not  describe 
to  you  the  bearing  and  dignity  of  a  man  to  whose  possession 
and  proper  exercise  all  the  ministries  of  heaven  have  brought 
their  contributions.  Who  can  tell  the  value  of  such  a  combi- 
nation ?  Who  can  weigh  the  worth  of  such  a  royal  appoint- 
ment ?  So  many  halls  of  highest  wisdom,  so  many  courts 
of  fairest  generosity,  so  many  burning  lights  of  human  joy, 
so  many  scented  beams  of  blessed  constancy,  so  many  shin- 
ing mirrors  reflecting  everywhere  the  luxury  of  human  ben- 
efaction, and  all  redolent  of  the  savor  of  God's  i^erpetual 
worship,  all  giving  present  support  to  the  life  and  future  prom- 
ise to  the  hope  of  the  human  spirit,  —  say,  is  not  that  a  costly 
and  stupendous  structure  into  which  all  the  great  things  of 
God,  of  heaven,  of  immortaUty  are  builded  ?  And  if,  O  Chris- 
tian !  thy  soul  be  such,  so  full  of  treasures, — yea,  and  the  lamps 
that  kindle  other  souls,  —  how  ought  thou  to  guard  and  cher- 
ish it  evermore,  —  how  ought  thou  to  tend  it,  walking  about  its 
palaces  and  marking  well  its  bulwarks,  ceaseless  as  the  vestal's 
vigil,  faithful  at  thy  sentry-post,  watchman  of  Heaven  going 
thy  rounds  on  earth,  and  sending  back  thy  answer  evermore 
to  each  celestial  warder's  call,  "  Watchman,  what  of  the 
night  ?  "  —  "  All  is  well !  all 's  well !  " 


OF  THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  41 

5.  Then  it  can  hardly  be  necessary  for  me  either  to  dwell 
on  the  number  and  kinds  of  laborers  employed  in  this  erection 
for  eternity.  The  great  King  himself  has  devised  and  pre- 
pared for  it,  —  nay,  the  trifold  sovereignty  of  Godhead  is 
embarked  upon  it.  God  in  his  fatherhood  has  gathered  the 
materials,  and  lo !  a  greater  than  Solomon  has  entered  on  the 
work,  —  nay,  more  than  the  Sj^rian  monarch  comes  to  his 
assistance,  —  and  under  these  all  the  angels  and  ministers  of 
grace  in  all  the  empire  of  the  universe,  all  great  angelic 
minds,  all  skilful  workmen,  yea,  and  the  more  subordinate 
creatures  of  God,  both  animate  and  inanimate,  and  the  grosser 
ones  and  the  rude  and  rough  countless  host !  By  these  the 
eternal  toil  goes  on,  to  fit  and  bring  together  and  lay  up  in 
the  soul  its  own  everlasting  construction.  O,  then,  here  is 
another  solemn  verity  of  life,  making  it  so  sacred  and  of 
uncounted  value.  You  that  feel  yourselves  alone,  you  that 
walk  solitary,  cut  off,  as  you  suppose,  from  the  symj^athies 
and  relationships  of  men,  you  that  are  thrust  back  into  obscu- 
rity, and  no  longer  dilate  on  the  open  walks  of  social  conspi- 
cuity,  —  you  that  feel  that  none  cares  for  your  soul,  —  do  not 
give  way  to  this  untimely  melancholy.  All  the  wheels  of 
nature  revolve  for  you,  all  the  live  spirits  of  Jehovah  leap  on 
their  way  for  you ;  for  you  the  world  stands,  and  the  course  of 
centuries  proceeds;  for  you  the  entire  procession  of  God's 
vast  ministries  goes  mustering  on,  and  each  in  his  turn  hands 
down  to  the  place  of  your  spiritual  building  just  the  fit  mate- 
rial designed  fi-om  the  beginning.  Think  not,  then,  you  are 
overlooked  or  neglected,  but  hold  fast  on  to  tlie  promises  of 
Heaven,  and  see  how  time  shall  fulfil  the  oracle,  and  finally 
finish  all  the  work.  O  tried  heart,  this  is  no  vain  fantasy. 
Providence  is  patient,  so  be  thou ;  Providence  is  punctual,  so 
be  thou;  Providence  will  sound  the  hour  of  consummation, 
and  then,  thy  conflict  ended,  thy  toil  all  done,  thou  shalt  hear 
the  plaudits  of  yonder  world,  as  when  a  gala-day  has  dawned. 

6.  Then  the  ultimate  ends  and  aims  of  such  a  building  of 
the  soul,  its  origin,  its  history,  its  progress  and  final  ])('rl('ction, 
—  this,  too,  was  svmbolized  in  the  building  of  the  Hebrews. 


42  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRGINIA 

But  I  sliall  only  pause  to  say  that  we  now  know  but  in  part, 
and  we  prophesy  but  in  part,  for  it  hath  not  yet  entered  into 
the  heart  of  man  to  conceive  the  things  which  God  hath  pre- 
pared for  tliem  that  love  him.  "What  Heaven  really  is,  we 
can  only  faintly  guess  ;  what  an  immortality  of  blessedness  is, 
we  can  only  dimly  dream ;  what  that  presence  of  God  is,  who 
dwelleth  in  light  unapproachable  and  full  of  glory,  we  cannot 
imagine,  much  less  describe  ;  —  but  we  know  this,  that  the  soul 
constructed  as  we  have  now  intimated  shall  enter  into  all  this 
through  a  duration  that  is  without  change  or  end,  and  that  all 
this  probationary  life  is  but  one  sharp  section  of  the  eternal 
order  of  progression  in  which  the  supreme  Jehovah  is  rearing 
the  monuments  of  his  own  living  grace  and  power,  and  that 
all  the  movements  and  tutelages  and  discipline  of  this  life, 
whether  to  the  individual  or  to  associated  humanity,  are  but 
one  act  of  preparation  for  the  deeper  and  more  momentous 
reahties  which  lie  before  us,  —  that  everj-thing  here,  great  as  it 
may  be,  strange  as  it  may  be,  costly  as  it  may  be,  complicated 
and  protracted  as  it  may  be,  is  only  preliminary  to  the  more 
august  events  which  the  future  will  disclose.  God  made  and 
meant  the  spirit  of  man  not  merely  for  time  and  earth,  but 
mainly  for  eternity  and  the  high  field  of  those  immortal  doings 
and  deserts.  When  the  building  is  finished,  sure  then  these 
time-scaffoldings  will  fall  away,  and  the  light  of  other  worlds 
will  shine  around,  and  the  soul  will  stand  revealed,  bearing 
the  everlasting  impress  of  her  own  changeless  destiny. 

But  there  is  one  feature  of  the  economy  of  God  in  the 
experience  of  man  on  earth,  which  stands  out  most  marked 
and  impressive,  to  which  I  will,  in  concluding,  advert.  I 
have  spoken  in  this  train  of  reflection  of  this  world  as  our  pro- 
bation, and  of  the  soul  as  in  process  of  construction  for  a 
higher  and  better  state.  I  have  alluded  to.  the  fact,  that  all 
the  agencies  of  God  are  out  on  this  great  enterprise ;  and  so 
of  course  I  mean  to  include  all  that  series  of  apparently 
unpropitious  and  adverse  events  by  which  we  are  brought 
into  tribulation,  and  which  seem  to  throng  about  us  with 
cares  and  losses,  and  many  hours  of  desolation,  when  the  mind 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  43 

grows  gloomy  and  distracted,  and  we  feel  that  all  these  things 
are  against  us.  None  of  you  can  have  lived  so  long  without 
knowing  to  what  sorrow  and  bitterness  of  heart  I  now  allude, 
and  the  memory  of  past  occurrences  only  fills  you  with  appre- 
hensions for  the  future.  Your  path  seems  thronged  Avith  a 
train  of  hideous  and  repugnant  forms  of  affliction,  from  which 
you  shrink  with  a  trembling  and  affrighted  spirit.  But  so  to 
an  observer  standing  in  the  gateways  of  Jerusalem,  as  he 
beheld  the  uncouth  beasts  of  burden  wending  in  their  way 
from  many  cpiarters  to  the  central  summit  of  Moriah,  —  those 
huge  and  rejjugnant  beasts,  those  swarthy  and  toil-worn  crea- 
tures of  the  mountain  and  the  wilderness,  working  their  slow 
and  weary  way  to  the  sacred  hill  of  David.  But  they  brought 
the  pillai-s  of  the  temple,  yea,  and  all  its  goodly  decorations. 
Here,  then,  see  the  messengers  from  which  you  shrink  in  your 
own  life  experience.  This  afflictive  Providence,  which  makes 
you  start  aghast ;  this  sudden  stroke  of  sorrow,  which  has  filled 
you  with  alarm  ;  this  unexpected  struggle,  which  has  fallen  on 
you  with  a  consuming  power,  —  they  are  all  dromedaries  of  the 
desert,  laden  with  richest  things  prepared  of  God  by  some  wise 
workman  of  his  choosing,  for  the  better  building  of  your  soul 
for  heaven.  Take  courage,  then,  and  do  not  pine.  AVhen 
you  see  a  train  of  trials  coming,  though  ever  so  forbidding 
in  their  look,  remember  they  are  the  dromedaries  from  the 
desert,  sent  of  the  Great  INIaster  to  add  another  course  to  your 
spirit  as  it  goes  up  through  these  mists  of  time,  one  glorious 
building  to  be  perfected  yonder. 


44  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \lPvGDslA 


CHAPTER     IV. 

From  Washington  to  Richmond.  —  A  Dirge  for  ]Mount  Ver- 
non.—  Governor  Wise  welcomes  the  Sir  Knights.  —  First 
Taste  of  Virginia  Hospitality.  — Reception  by  the  Rich- 
mond Commandery.  —  Visit  to  the  Theatre,  and  a  Floral 
Ovation. 

Our  excursionists  passed  a  quiet  Sabbath  in  Wash- 
ington, listening  to  the  sermons  contained  in  the  previous 
chapter,  and  observing  in  a  proper  spirit  the  sacred  char- 
acter of  the  day.  As  the  sun  Avas  descending,  a  few  ven- 
tured to  inspect  the  Capitol,  the  White  House,  and  some 
other  objects  of  interest,  and  in  the  evening  a  concert  of 
sacred  music  was  given  by  Gilmore's  Band  in  the  vesti- 
bule of  the  National  Hotel,  which  was  listened  to  Avith 
great  pleasure. 

At  six  o'clock  on  Monday  morning  the  Sir  Knights 
embarked  on  the  Potomac  River  in  the  steamer  Mount 
Vernon  for  Aquia  Creek.  The  weather  was  delightful, 
and,  as  they  glided  down  the  beautiful  river,  all  nature 
seemed  to  smile  upon  the  panorama  of  water,  wooded 
banks,  and  green  fields.  Breakfast  was  obtained  on 
board  the  boat. 

About  eight  o'clock  the  boat  passed  Mount  Vernon, 
where  AVashington  lived  and  died,  and  where  his  sacred 
dust  is  deposited.  When  the  spot  was  pointed  out,  Gil- 
more's Band,  at  the  request  of  the  De  Molays,  played  a 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  45 

dirge,  Avith  great  musical  expression  and  effect.  The 
emotions  which  crowded  upon  the  minds  of  the  company 
while  passing  this  illustrious  ground  were  too  deep  for 
any  audible  expression;  the  gentlemen  looked  grave, 
and  the  ladies  shed  tears.  It  Avas  a  touching  tribute 
to  that  man  whose  memory  will  for  ever  be  as  green 
in  American  hearts  as  were  the  fields  and  forests  of 
Mount  Vernon  that  day. 

When  the  steamer  arrived  at  Aquia  Creek,  the  whistle 
of  the  Richmond  train  was  heard ;  and  on  landing,  the  Sir 
Knights  were  met  by  a  reception  committee  of  the  Rich- 
mond Commandery,  of  which  Sir  Knight  John  H.  Bozier 
was  chairman,  who  had  met  the  excursionists  at  Wash- 
ington. 

His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  Henry  A. 
Wise,  who  had  just  arrived  in  the  train  from  Richmond, 
was  in  the  Depot,  and  when  the  Encampments  were 
drawn  up  in  line.  Governor  Wise  was  introduced  to  Com- 
mander Sir  William  Parkmnn,  of  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment, by  Sir  Knight  John  F.  Regnault,  of  the  Richmond 
Commandery,  who  said,  "Most  Eminent  Grand  Com- 
mander and  Sir  Knights  of  Boston  and  Providence,  it 
affords  me  pleasure  to  introduce  to  you  the  Governor  of 
Virginia,  Avho  will  welcome  you  to  her  soil  and  her  hospi- 
tality." 

His  Excellency  addressed  them  in  a  welcoming  speech, 
which  was  an  earnest  of  the  kind  reception  they  met 
afterwards  everywhere  in  Virginia.     He  said :  — 

"  We  meet  you  and  greet  you  by  the  mystic  tic  of  brother- 
hood which  exists  in  every  land.  We  meet  you  as  patriots,  — 
men  of  the  same  common  country.  You  are  no  strangers  here 
in  Virginia;  for  we  live  in  a  land  of  the  largest  hberty, — 
thank  God !  it  is  a  large  land.     I  go  to  your  land,  and  although 


46  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

no  man  knows  me,  and  though  I  own  no  house  there,  yet  there 
is  one  house,  the  Hancock  House,  that  old  ball-room  of  the 
Boston  Tea  Party,  which  is  mine  as  well  as  yours.  Faneuil 
Hall  is  there,  which  is  mine  too. 

"  And  here  in  Virginia  is  Mount  Vernon,  and  that  is  yours  ; 
and  here  are  Yorktown  and  Old  Raleigh,  and  they  are  yoursi 
And  Virginia  is  yours  also  !  Sir  Knights,  I  greet  you  not  only 
as  Masons  and  patriots,  but  I  greet  you  socially.  The  citizens 
of  Richmond  are  your  fellow-citizens,  and  you  will  find  their 
houses  open  to  receive  you.  I  am  sorry  that  I  too  cannot  be 
with  you,  —  that  business  imperatively  calls  me  away.  But  I 
have  left  the  Executive  Mansion  open  for  you,  and  have  left 
orders  that  its  beds,  its  larder,  and  all  it  contains,  shall  be  at 
your  disposal.  I  feel  compelled  to  caution  you,  my  friends, 
against  one  thing  in  Richmond.  According  to  your  'Auto- 
crat of  the  Breakfast-Table,'  the  people  of  Boston  consider 
that  the  axletree  of  the  universe  sticks  out  in  your  city  at  one 
end,  and  we  think  that  the  other  end  sticks  out  in  Richmond. 
Now  we  have  a  way  of  putting  a  hub  on  the  end  of  that  axle- 
tree  which  strangers  would  never  suspect  was  a  wheel,  and  of 
putting  a  stranger  on  that  wheel  and  spinning  him  around 
untQ  he  becomes  dizzy.  There  is  one  arch-enemy  of  strangers 
there  whose  name,  when  whispered  in  the  ear,  rhymes  with 
'  Old  Nick,'  *  and  although  he  is  not  '  Old  Nick,'  I  must  warn 
you  particularly  against  him.  But,  gentlemen,  I  leave  you 
in  good  hands,  and  with  a  welcome  to  all  the  houses  in  Rich- 
mond." 

Governor  "Wise's  speech  was  received  with  cheers  and 
laughter,  and  his  earnest  and  genial  manner  made  a 
profound  impression  upon  the  visiting  Sir  Knights.  As 
soon  as  the  Governor  had  concluded,  the  signal  for  de- 
parture was  given,  and  the  train  proceeded  towards  Eich- 
mond. 

*  This  was  an  allusion  to  Richard  0.  Haskins,  a  past  Com- 
mancler  of  the  Richmond  Commanderv. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  47 

The  trip  from  Aquia  Creek  was  delightful  in  every 
respect.  The  sky  Avas  bright,  and  the  Virginia  landscapes 
"were  decked  in  Nature's  fairest  charms.  The  committee, 
or  advanced  guard  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  had 
determined  to  give  their  visitors  a  foretaste  of  Yu-ginia 
hospitality,  and  they  had  made  the  forward  car  of  the 
train  a  forerunner  of  the  good  time  coming.  The 
seats  had  been  removed  from  the  car,  and  through  its 
centre  a  table  loaded  with  a  profusion  of  refreshments 
was  spread.  There  was  an  excellent  lunch  provided, 
and  nothing  that  is  fitted  to  assuage  thirst  in  the  most 
satisfactory  manner  was  wanting.  Servants  were  em- 
ployed in  traversing  the  cars  to  supply  the  Sir  Knights 
with  the  refection,  and  to  many  of  them  who  had  taken 
but  little  breakfast  on  board  the  boat,  it  was  most  grate- 
ful, and  will  be  remembered  long  by  them  as  the  first 
instalment  of  the  bountiful  hospitality  they  received  in 
Virginia. 

"When  the  train  arrived  at  Fredericksburg,  the  visiting 
Knights  were  invited  to  step  from  the  cars,  and  on  doing 
so  they  were  introduced  to  the  Mayor  of  that  city,  John 
L.  Marye,  Esq.,  who  made  an  eloquent  speech,  welcom- 
ing them  to  the  ancient  town.     Pie  said:  — 

I  have  been  deputed  by  the  bretliren  of  the  mystic  tie  in 
Fredericksburg  to  give  you,  upon  this  your  entrance  upon  the 
soil  of  Virginia,  a  brother's  welcome.  And  allow  me  to  say, 
that  the  sentiment  with  which  we  greet  you  is  not  confined  to 
the  Masonic  brotherhood,  but  you  will  find  it  springing  up  to 
greet  you  wherever  you  may  go  in  this  old  Commonwealth. 
The  principles  of  your  noble  Order  entitle  you  to  that  esteem 
and  cordial  welcome,  but  there  are  also  other  reasons  which 
entitle  you  to  our  hospitalities.  You  come  from  the  land  of 
Bunker  Ilill,  from  that  glorious  old  State  whose  soil,  like  the 
soil  of  Virginia,  was  baptized  with  the  best  Ijlood  of  tlic  llevo- 


48  PILGRIMAGE   TO  ^^RGINIA 

lution.  You  are  the  descendants  of  the  men,  and  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  men,  who  heart  to  heart  and  hand  to  hand 
with  our  fathers  met  the  shock,  and,  animated  by  a  common 
patriotism,  established  the  independence  and  the  institutions 
of  this  country.  And  allow  me,  Sir  Knights,  to  remind  you 
that  you  now  stand  on  the  very  play-ground  of  Washington, 
and  in  sight  of  his  mother's  grave.  In  the  ]\Iasonic  Lodge 
in  this  city,  too,  he  was  initiated  into  Masonry,  and  took  the 
degrees  of  the  craft. 

Is  it  not  fit  that  on  such  a  spot  we,  the  members  of  distant 
parts  of  this  great  country,  should  meet  in  fraternal  inter- 
course ?  I  hope  that  your  visit  may  not  only  be  productive  of 
social  intercourse  and  good  feeling,  but  may  result  in  a  better 
knowledge  and  a  better  understanding  between  the  citizens  of 
Virginia  and  the  citizens  of  Massachusetts. 

Sir  Knight  William  Parkman,  Eminent  Grand  Com- 
mander of  the  De  Molays,  replied  appropriately  to  the 
Fredericksburg  Mayor.  He  said  that  last  year  liis  com- 
mand and  himself  had  enjoyed  the  pleasure  of  forming  an 
acquaintance  with  a  Commandery  of  their  Virginia  breth- 
ren, and  therefore  they  were  not  surprised  at  receiving 
a  warm  reception,  when  they  crossed  the  boundaries  of 
Virginia.  He  was  happy  to  come  from  the  precincts  of 
Bunker  Hill  and  Dorchester  Heights,  to  visit  the  historic 
ground  of  the  Old  Dominion ;  and  in  behalf  of  all  the  Sir 
Knights  from  New  England,  he  begged  leave  to  tender 
most  hearty  thanks  for  the  kind  reception  they  had  met 
with  in  Fredericksburg. 

Three  cheers  were  then  given  for  His  Honor,  the  Mayor 
of  Fredericksburg,  by  the  Pilgrim  Knights.  The  repre- 
sentatives of  Virginia  present  sent  up  a  hearty  response, 
and  the  attention  of  the  company  was  then  directed  to 
some  refreshment-tables  spread  upon  the  platform  of  the 
Depot,  upon  which  were  certain  huge  bowls  filled  with 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  49 

that  delectable  compound  used  so  mucli  in  Riehmond  for 
oiling  the  axletree  spoken  of  by  Governor  Wise,  —  the 
axletree  of  that  wheel  whose  "main  spoke"  is  the  julep- 
ladle. 

The  party  soon  resumed  their  seats  in  the  cars,  and 
were  whirled  along  to  Eichmond  in  a  happy  frame  of 
mind.  The  Richmond  committee  kept  the  banquet  spread 
in  the  forward  car,  replenishing  it  at  every  point  wher- 
ever a  sign  of  giving  out  began  to  appear,  and  their 
servants  Avere  constantly  perambulating  the  cars  with 
wherewithal  to  supply  those  who  were  "backward  in 
coming  forward."  In  short,  these  Richmond  Saint  Johns 
of  the  coming  era  of  hospitality  succeeded  in  making  their 
visitors  extremely  comfortable  during  the  entire  trip  from 
Aquia  Creek  to  their  home. 

Tlie  pilgrims  arrived  in  Richmond  at  half  past  three 
o'clock,  P.  M.  The  Richmond  Encampment,  E.  H.  Gill, 
Commander,  were  on  the  ground,  and  a  large  concourse 
of  people  was  assembled  to  witness  the  arrival.  The  De 
Molays  and  their  Providence  friends  formed  under  the 
escort  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  and  marched  to 
their  quarters,  passing  through  Capitol  Square  on  their 
route,  saluting  the  noble  equestrian  statue  of  Washington 
by  uncovering  their  Jieads.  IMcanwhile,  a  salute  of  one 
hundred  guns  was  fired  by  the  Fayette  Artillery,  Sir 
Knight  Colonel  R.  M.  Nimms  commanding,  whose  loud- 
mouthed cannon  re-echoed  the  welcome  which  the  Sir 
Knights  and  citizens  of  Virginia  had  accorded  to  their 
visitors  from  New  England. 

The  visiting  Knights  were   quartered  at  the  Ballard 

and  Exchange  Hotels,  —  two  hotels  in  one,  upon  the  plan 

of  the  Siamese  twins,  standing  upon  opposite  sides  of  the 

same  street  and  united  l)y  a  covered  bridge.     The  whole 

4 


50  PILGRIMAGE  TO  ^^RGINIA 

establishment  is  leased  and  conducted  bj  one  person.  In 
a  large  hall  in  the  Exchange  Hotel  another  season  of 
refreshment  was  had,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  the 
Commanderies,  and  here  the  most  joyful  personal  gi-eet- 
ings  took  place  between  the  members  of  the  Eichmond 
Encampment  and  their  Boston  friends,  whose  acquaint- 
ance was  formed  on  the  occasion  of  the  visit  of  the  former 
to  our  city.  There  was  many  a  cordial  shaking  of  hands 
and  "How  do  you  do?"  — "God  bless  you !"  —  "  Don't 
you  remember  ?  "  etc.  ^Mien  this  pleasant  reunion  was 
over,  each  of  the  visitors  sought  his  quartei's,  and  made 
his  toilet  in  preparation  for  a  "  family  dinner  "  of  the  Sir 
Knights  of  De  Molay  and  St.  John,  with  a  number  of  the 
Richmond  Commandery.  A  committee  of  the  Richmond 
Sir  Knights  took  charge  of  the  attendants  at  the  table, 
stimulating  the  negroes  to  activity,  and  supplying  the 
wants  of  their  guests  with  their  own  hands,  in  emergen- 
cies that  seemed  to  require  it. 

The  dinner  having  been  disposed  of,  the  visiting 
Knights  were  warned  by  their  respective  Commanders 
to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  attend  the  theatre, 
upon  the  invitation  of  their  Richmond  brother  Knights. 
At  half  past  six  o'clock  the  Richmond  Commandery 
assembled  at  the  Mechanics'  Institute,  and  proceeded  to 
the  Ballard  House,  where  tliey  took  their  visitors  under 
escort   and  marched  to  the  theatre. 

On  entering  the  theatre,  a  striking  scene  presented 
itself.  The  house  was  crowded  in  every  part  except  the 
parquette,  the  principal  portion  of  which  Avas  reserved 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  Sir  Knights.  The  boxes 
were  filled  with  ladies  mostly,  and  exhibited  a  brilliant 
array  of  female  beauty,  and  rich  and  tasteful  female  cos- 
tume.    The  boxes  of  the  lower  row  were  draped  with 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TElirLARS.  51 

American  flags  and  bordered  with  evergreens.  Li  tlie 
centre  of  each  was  an  appropriate  Masonic  emblem.  The 
piHars  which  support  the  second  tier  of  boxes  were  en- 
twined with  flowers  and  evergreens,  and  the  panellings 
of  the  second  tier  were  ornamented  with  flags  and  Ma- 
sonic devices.  The  highest  tier  was  hung  with  Avhite 
cloth,  and  handsomely  decorated  with  garlands  of  flowers. 
The  whole  scene,  brilliantly  illuminated  by  gas-light,  was 
charming  to  the  highest  degree,  as  the  accidental  effects 
produced  by  the  costumes  of  the  audience  harmonized 
Avith  the  decorations  so  as  to  render  the  picture  complete, 
as  a  whole,  as  well  as  in  all  its  details. 

When  the  Knights  entered  and  took  their  seats,  they 
were  greeted  with  loud  hurrahs  by  the  audience,  and  the 
fair  ladies  clapped  their  delicate  hands  enthusiastically. 
Even  the  negroes  in  the  gallery  were  infected  with  the 
"general  joy,"  and  cheered  as  loudly  as  anybody  else. 
Three  cheers  "  for  Old  Virginia "  were  proposed  by  one 
of  the  visiting  Knights,  and  the  New  England  Command- 
eries  responded  heartily  to  his  call. 

The  proscenium  and  stage  were  decorated  with  flags, 
and  when  the  curtain  rose  upon  the  play  of  "Masks  and 
Faces,"  in  which  the  actors  appear  in  the  showy  costume 
of  our  English  ancestors,  the  theatre  was  gayly  di*essed 
throughout.  Mrs.  Gladstane  appeared  in  the  leading 
role,  and  was  supported  by  a  good  company ;  and  every- 
tliing  passed  oflf  satisfactorily. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  act  the  Sir  Knights  were  sur- 
prised by  a  floral  ovation,  such  as  is  seldom  witnessed 
within  tlie  walls  of  a  tlieatrc,  whore  the  tossing  of  bouquets 
is  a  common  incident  and  a  hackneyed  mode  of  testifying 
real  or  pretended  admii'ation  for  actresses  and  vocalists. 
On  this  occasion  there  was  for  several  minutes  a  shower 


52  PILGRIMAGE   TO  MRGDs'IA 

of  roses  descending  from  a  circular  opening  in  the  fres- 
coed ceiling  of  the  auditorium,  thrown  by  a  number  of 
invisible  hands,  and  so  skilfully  directed  that  the  whole 
parquette  was  visited  by  the  beautiful  and  fragrant  mes- 
sengers. It  was  a  very  pretty,  as  well  as  a  novel  scene, 
and  it  seemed  to  afford  as  much  gratification  to  the  audi- 
dence  as  to  the  recipients  of  the  floral  tribute. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  play  the  audience  called  en- 
thusiastically upon  the  bands  from  Boston  and  Providence, 
who  were  seated  next  to  the  orchestra,  in  front  of  the 
Sir  Knights ;  and  while  preparations  were  in  progress  on 
the  stage  for  the  closing  portion  of  the  entertainment, 
they  played  some  delicious  music,  which  was  loudly  ap- 
plauded. 

When  the  curtain  again  rose,  Mrs.  I.  B.  Phillips,  a 
beautiful  woman  and  a  pleasing  actress,  came  forward 
and  delivered  the  following  Address,  written  by  John 
R.  Thompson,  Esq.,  editor  of  the  Southern  Literary  Mes- 
senger. 

WELCOME  TO  BOSTON  AND  PROMDENCE  SIR  KNIGHTS. 

Sir  KnightSj  right  welcome  to  the  Drama's  fane  ! 

We  greet  you  warmly,  though  in  simple  strain, 

Whose  honest  fervor  you  will  not  disdain. 

To  celebrate  the  "  deeds  of  daring  high," 

And  all  the  bold  emprise  of  Chivalry, 

In  other  days,  when  innocence  oppressed 

Eoused  the  just  anger  of  the  knightly  breast, 

Has  ever  been  the  Drama's  chosen  part, 

And  truest  glory  of  the  scenic  art. 

What  though  the  sun  of  Chivalry  is  set ! 

Its  shining  virtues  linger  with  us  yet ; 

And  though  the  Feudal  Knight  has  had  his  day. 

The  modern  Templar  may  indeed  display 


OF  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  53 

As  lofty  courage  and  as  gentle  mien 
As  brave  Sir  Gawaine  of  the  silken  sheen. 
'T  was  the  time  valor  of  the  antique  age, 
Whose  lustre  brightens  our  historic  page, 
"Which  nerved  the  patriot's  arm,  on  land  and  sea. 
To  strike  the  blow  which  made  Columbia  free. 
And  you,  my  friends,  descendants  of  a  race 
Renowned  for  eveiy  ancient,  manly  grace. 
Which  gave  a  Warrex  to  the  death  of  fame, 
And  lent  our  annals  Greene's  immortal  name. 
We  own  as  worthy  of  your  glorious  sires  : 
To  welcome  you,  Virginia  never  tires  ! 
For  see,  in  token  of  the  tie  which  binds 
In  blessed  imion  both  onr  hearts  and  minds, 
And  links  together  all  our  future  fates, 
The  blended  banners  of  the  sister  States  ! 
Long  may  they  thus  be  intertwined  above 
Fair  Freedom's  temple,  in  abiding  love  ; 
Long  may  our  beauteous  rainbow  flag  of  stars 
Fling  to  the  breeze  its  bright-emblazoned  bars, 
And  on  its  folds  for  evermore  be  seen 
Each  stany  sister  of  the  Old  Thirteen  ! 

Here,  gracious  auditors,  I  well  might  pause. 
But  that  I  crave  a  little  more  applause  : 
To  such  as  are,  and  yet  are  not,  in  tears,  — 
Pit,  gallery,  boxes,  —  everv  one  that  hears, 
I  make  appeal  for  three  tremendous  cheers  ! 
Xot  for  myself,  but  for  those  gallant  Knights, 
Whose  presence  here  Virginia's  soul  delights,  — 
And,  as  I  make  to  you  my  parting  bow. 
Huzza  for  them  as  only  you  know  how. 

These  lines  were  well  spoken,  and  elicited  entlmsiastic 
applause  from  the  whole  audience.     At  the  line 

"  Each  stany  sister  of  the  Old  Tliirtecn," 

a  magnificent  tableau  was  disclosed  at  the  back  of  the 
stage,  consisting  of  a  figure  of  "Washington,  upon  a  pedes- 


54  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIEGIMA 

tal,  supported  on  either  side  by  ladies  resting  on  shields, 
bearing  the  arms  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island, 
and  surrounded  by  thirteen  young  ladies  having  shields 
with  the  coats  of  arms  of  the  thirteen  original  States. 
This  tasteful  and  appropriate  picture  was  loudly  cheered. 
At  the  fall  of  the  curtain  the  Sir  Knights  fell  into  line 
and  wei'e  escorted  to  their  quarters,  where  they  sat  down 
to  a  hearty  Champagne  supper  with  their  Virginia  friends, 
and  duly  prepared  themselves  thereby  for  the  fatigues 
and  festivities  of  the  next  day. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  55 


CHAPTER    Y 


Grand  Reception  of  the  Visiting  Knights  at  Mechanics' 
Hall.  —  Welcoming  Speeches  and  Responses.  —  The  Sip. 
Knights  assaulted  avitii  Bouquets  by  Ladies  of  Richmond. 
—  Peesentation  to  the  New  England  Knights.  —  Another 
Presentation  to  the  Richmond  Commandery.  —  Collation, 
etc. 


"When  the  Knights  Templars  of  New  England  awoke 
iu  Richmond,  Tuesday  moi'ning,  they  found  new  cause 
to  admire  the  hospitality  of  the  Virginians.  The  Rich- 
mond Commandery  had,  apparently,  imported  into  their 
city  for  the  occasion  a  large  lot  of  Massachusetts  weather, 
thus  evincing  a  strong  determination  to  consult  the  tastes 
of  their  guests  in  every  particular.  The  sky  was  over- 
cast, and  the  atmosphere  was  cool.  It  was  Southern 
weather  with  Northern  principles ;  and  those  who  came 
provided  with  thin  suits  found  that  portion  of  their  ward- 
lobe  entirely  superfluous.  Similar  weather  continued 
during  most  of  the  visit;  and  the  coolness  enabled  the 
pilgrim  Knights  to  bear  the  fatigues  incident  to  the  oc- 
casion better  than  they  could  have  done  in  sunshine  and 
dust. 

Tuesday  morning  was  appointed  for  the  formal  recep- 
tion of  the  visiting  Sir  Knights  at  the  hall  of  the  Me- 
chanics' Institute.  The  lowering  sky  did  not  prevent 
the  fair  ladies  of  Richmond  from  assembling  to  meet  the 


56  PILGRIMAGE  TO  YIEGINIA 

brave  Knights,  and  long  before  the  Commanderies  arrived 
at  the  hall  the  space  allotted  to  the  ladies  was  filled, — 
a  galaxy  of  bright  eyes  flashing  their  splendors  upon 
either  side. 

The  entrance  of  the  hall  was  draped  with  flags  of  the 
United  States  and  of  Virginia,  confined  by  a  Masonic 
shield.  At  the  upper  end  was  a  stage,  the  proscenium 
of  which  was  covered  with  black  cloth,  upon  which  were 
displayed  a  variety  of  Masonic  emblems.  A  portrait  of 
Washington,  coi^ied  from  Houdon's  celebrated  statue, 
was  placed  at  the  rear  of  the  stage,  and  over  the  centre 
of  the  proscenium  appeared  the  Virginia  coat  of  arms, 
enclosed  in  a  floral  frame.  The  arms  of  Massachusetts 
were  displayed  on  the  right,  and  of  Rhode  Island  on  the 
left.  In  front  of  the  gallery,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  hall, 
was  a  full-length  poi'trait  of  William  Lloyd,  a  proprietor 
of  the  Richmond  Examiner,  and  the  gallery  itself  was 
handsomely  draped  with  flags.  The  walls  were  orna- 
mented richly  with  flags,  Masonic  and  Knightly  devices, 
and  with  flowers  and  evergreens.  The  ladies  were  seated 
upon  each  side,  facing  inwards,  sufficient  room  only  hav- 
ing been  reserved  for  the  Sir  Knights  to  stand  in  the 
middle  of  the  hall. 

The  Richmond  Commandery,  accompanied  by  the 
Armory  Band  of  Richmond,  received  their  visitors  at 
their  quarters,  and,  all  in  full  regalia,  and  accompanied 
by  their  musicians,  marched  to  the  Hall  of  the  Institute, 
passing  through  several  of  the  principal  streets.  They 
reached  the  hall  at  half  past  ten  o'clock.  The  Richmond 
Commandery  first  marched  in,  and,  forming  upon  either 
side  of  the  open  area,  saluted  theii'  brother  Knights  as 
they  entered  by  presenting  arms. 

Sir  Knight  James  Lyons,  on  the  part  of  the  Richmond 


OF   THE  KMGHTS   TEMPLARS.  57 

Commanderj,  jiresentecl  the  visitors  and  pilgrims  to 
M.  E.  Grand  Commander,  E.  H.  Gill,  Avho  occupied  the 
platform,  and  to  his  Commandery.     He  said :  — 

Most  Eminent  Grand  Commander  and  Sir  Knights,  —  I  have 
been  called  upon  unexpectedly  to  perform  a  duty  previously 
assigned  to  another,  who  is,  by  his  profound  knowledge  of 
Masonry,  and  an  eloquence  as  charming  as  it  is  chaste,  much 
better  qualified  for  the  task  than  I  am.  I  regret  that  illness 
has  prevented  him  from  being  here. 

I  have  the  honor,  Sir  Knights  of  Richmond,  to  present  to 
you  the  Sir  Knights  of  De  ]\Iolay  and  St.  John,  from  Massa- 
chusetts and  Rhode  Island.  They  are  pilgrims  from  afar, 
travelling  by  that  light  which  is  the  great  luminary  of  our 
order,  and  on  a  crusade  of  love  and  friendship  to  the  door  of 
your  tent,  where  they  will  receive  all  that  generous  hospital- 
ity which  Kjiights  of  our  Order  are  always  bound  to  extend 
to  their  brethren.  I  am  glad  —  it  is  a  peculiar  pleasure  —  to 
welcome  brothers  who  will  uphold  the  Constitution,  maintain 
the  law,  do  justice,  and  regard  truth ;  for  to  all  this  are  they 
pledged  by  the  principles  which  they  hold  and  of  which  they 
are  noble  defenders.  They  come  from  a  land  where  their  fore- 
fathers won  their  claim  to  Knighthood  on  the  red  battle-field 
under  the  eye  of  our  Grand  Commander,  Geoi'ge  Washington. 

Sir  Knights  of  Massachusetts  and  of  Rhode  Island,  I  wel- 
come you  to  the  Asylum  of  your  brethren  in  Virginia,  where 
you  will  meet  the  same  generous  hospitality  you  so  nobly 
extended  to  them  in  the  old  Bay  State,  the  Pilgrim  State. 

Commander  Gill  replied  in  the  following  terms :  — 

]Most  Eminent  Commanders,  and  Sir  Knights  of  De  IMolay 
and  St.  John's  Encampments,  —  I  greet  you,  and  in  behalf  of 
Richmond  Commandery  bid  you  welcome,  a  cordial  welcome, 
to  our  Asylum,  to  our  homes  and  firesides,  and  to  our  hearts. 

Nearly  a  year  has  elapsed  since  it  was  our  good  fortune, 
when  on  a  pilgrimage  to  the  tomb  of  the  lamented  Warren, 


58  PILGRIMAGE  TO   \1RGINIA 

to  have  been  in  your  midst.  We  met  as  strangers  to  each 
other,  but  your  warm  reception,  your  hospitality,  your  care 
that  our  every  want  should  be  supplied,  and  each  wish  grati- 
fied, taught  us  that  we  were  among  friends  and  brethren ;  and 
when  the  painful  moment  of  separation  arrived,  we  felt  as 
though  we  were  parting  with  the  friends  of  by-gone  years,  the 
friends  of  "  Lang  Syne."  The  recollection  of  that  occasion 
Is  still  vivid  in  our  memories,  and  cannot  be  effaced.  We 
regard  it  as  one  of  the  most  interesting  reminiscences  of  our 
lives,  and  recur  to  it  more  as  a  pleasing  vision  than  as  a  re- 
ality. 

"  0,  long  be  our  hearts  with  such  memories  filled, 
Like  the  vase  in  which  roses  have  once  been  distilled ; 
You  may  break,  you  may  ruin  the  vase  if  you  will, 
But  the  scent  of  the  roses  will  hang  round  it  still," 

Sir  Knights  of  Providence  and  Boston,  I  again  bid  you  wel- 
come, thrice  welcome.  Welcome  as  fi-Iends,  welcome  as  breth- 
ren, welcome  as  the  descendants  of  those  noble  patriots  who 
stood  side  by  side  with  the  sons  of  Virginia,  in  the  council  and 
in  the  field.  In  the  darkest  hours  of  the  Revolution,  in  the  times 
that  tried  men's  souls,  battling  for  "  liberty  or  for  death." 

Welcome  as  the  sons  of  the  soil  that  gave  birth  to  Warren, 
to  Greene,  to  Hancock,  and  to  Webster.  Welcome  to  the 
"  Old  Dominion,"  the  birthplace  of  Washington,  of  Henry,  of 
Marshall,  and  of  Clay. 

Most  Eminent  Grand  Commander  William  Parkman 
of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  replied  in  an  earnest  and 
feeling  manner  to  these  eloquent  words  of  welcome,  on 
behalf  of  his  Commandery.     He  said :  — 

Sir  Knights  and  Brethren,  —  I  feel  no  ordinary  degree  of 
embarrassment  in  responding  to  your  most  kind  and  brotherly 
address  of  welcome,  for  I  can  assure  you  that  this  is  the  first 
time  in  my  life  that  I  ever  raised  my  voice  in  an  assembly  so 
large  as  this.  I  feel  embarrassed  also  by  recollections  of  kind- 
ness wliich  we  have  already  experienced  in  Alrginia. 


OF  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  59 

Why,  yesterday,  wlien  we  first  touohed  the  shore  of  Vir- 
ginia, we  were  met  and  welcomed  by  the  Chief  Magistrate  of 
the  State,  and  felt  that  we  were  indeed  in  the  Old  Dominion, 
and  truly  at  home.  We  knew  before  that  we  were  coming  to 
Virginia,  but  did  not  know  what  Virginia  hospitality  was. 
Coming  from  the  chilly  North,  where,  I  will  admit,  we  are  not 
as  genial  to  outsiders,  we  were  not  prepared  for  such  a  recep- 
tion, —  a  reception  that  will  never  be  forgotten.  I  must  con- 
fess that  I  arose  from  a  sick  bed  to  come  here  to  speak  to 
those  brethren  who  met  us  last  year  in  Boston.  I  speak  not 
for  myself  alone,  in  expressing  these  sentiments  of  friendship, 
but  for  my  brethren,  whose  hearts  are  pulsating  with  them  at 
this  moment.  We  come  from  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island, 
where  men  fought  for  a  country  of  which  every  American 
should  be  proud.  We  come  to  re2:)resent  not  only  the  Knights 
Templars  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  but  those  in 
other  States  who  have  a  love  for  their  whole  country.  We 
come  to  sow  and  propagate  the  seeds  of  brotherly  love. 

"When  it  was  first  heard  in  our  Encampment  that  the  Sir 
Knights  of  Virginia  were  about  visiting  Boston,  I  arose  and 
asked,  "  Brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ? "  A  dozen  Knights 
leaped  fronl  their  seats,  and  exclaimed,  "  Why,  invite  them, 
and  entertain  them  as  we  should."  The  results  of  that  meet- 
ing he  would  not  speak  of;  but  he  hoped  it  had  sowed  the 
seeds  of  fi-iendship  in  bosoms  where  the  fruit  would  be  for  ever 
green,  and  their  growth  ever  nurtured.  We  have  never  met 
since,  that  we  have  not  spoken  of  you.  You  left  one  of  your 
uniforms  with  us,  which  is  hung  up  in  our  Hall,  and  it  is  an 
incident  of  frequent  occurrence  that  our  Knights,  upon  enter- 
ing, go  up  to  it  and  say,  "  How  do  you  do,  Virginia  ?  "  And 
we  have  never  met  our  brothers  of  the  St.  John's  Encampment 
that  we  have  not  interchanged  kind  recollections  of  that  visit. 

We  rejoice  to  meet  you,  brethren,  on  your  own  soil,  and  we 
feel  that,  when  we  take  Virginians  by  the  hand,  we  arc  grasp- 
ing the  hands  of  the  whole  South. 

Sir  Knight  Parkman's  remarks  were  enthusiastically 
applauded. 


60  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \T:RGIXIA 

M.  E.  G.  Commander  Barker  replied  to  the  welcoming 
address  on  belialf  of  the  Knights  of  St.  John.    He  said :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander,  —  Accept  our  sincere  thanks 
for  the  courteous  and  knightly  reception  with  which  you  and 
your  Commandery  have  honored  us  on  this  occasion. 

When  your  Commandery  favored  us  with  a  visit  last  June, 
little  did  we  think,  or  expect,  that  in  less  than  one  year  from 
that  time  we  should  find  ourselves  transported  to  this  heau- 
tiful  city,  and  stand  side  by  side  with  those  vaUant  and  mag- 
nanimous Knights  who  then  for  the  first  time  made  a  pilgrimage 
to  the  tomb  of  our  beloved  Warren. 

This  is  to  most  of  us  our  fii'st  visit  to  your  Commandery,  or 
to  the  noble  Commonwealth  of  Virginia.  We  rejoice  to  see 
this  day.  And  we  assure  you,  that  it  affords  us  peculiar 
pleasure  to  have  it  in  our  power  to  accept  your  knightly 
invitation,  to  make  this  visit,  and  to  take  by  the  hand  these 
loyal  Templars  whom  it  was  our  privilege  to  welcome  last 
season  in  Providence. 

It  has  been  said,  the  Knights,  our  honored  ancestors  of  old, 
were  engaged  in  hostile  array  and  in  mortal  combat  with  Sar- 
acen and  infidel.  With  sword  and  spear,  hehnet'and  shield, 
battle-axe  and  claymore,  they  fought  in  defence  of  the  inno- 
cent, the  destitute,  the  helpless,  and  the  Christian  religion. 

Their  motives  were  pure,  their  aspirations  holy.  With  the 
strictest  and  most  rigid  Christian  and  military  discipline,  united 
under  one  common  head,  they  were  irresistible. 

They  went  forth  "conquering  and  to  conquer,"  and  thou- 
sands of  ensanguined  fields,  made  red  with  the  blood  of  their 
enemies  and  their  own  commingled,  attest  their  noble  daring 
and  heroic  prowess.  They  stopped  not  to  count  their  enemies 
until  they  were  prostrate  in  dust.  Three  to  one  —  nay,  ofl- 
times,  ten  to  one  —  against  them,  had  no  terror  in  their  eyes. 
They  had  faith  in  their  motto.  In  hoc  Signo  vinces,  and  they 
did  conquer.     They  accompUshed  in  their  day  their  mission. 

Now  how  changed  the  scene,  how  different  the  pursuit,  ends, 
and  aims  of  the  Knights  of  the  present  day !    Kow  om-  pilgrim- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  61 

ages  are  friendship,  love,  and  knightly  hospitality ;  —  no  un- 
friendly Turk  or  Mussulman  to  retard  our  visitation,  -we  come 
from  one  extreme  part  of  our  extended  country  to  the  other, 
from  the  Xorth  to  the  South,  from  the  East  to  the  West,  know- 
ing no  difference,  all  feeling  that  we  are  brothers.  May  we 
not  hope  that,  under  the  direction  of  our  blessed  Emmanuel, 
these  our  interchanges  of  visits  and  commingling  of  feeling 
may  prove  a  blessing  to  our  entire  country,  and  be  the  means 
of  holding  together  and  cementing  more  strongly  the  ties  of 
Union  and  Friendship,  not  only  of  the  members  of  the  Masonic 
orders,  but  of  the  entire  citizenship  of  the  whole  of  our  beloved 
United  States  of  America,  so  that  all  may  be  able  to  say, 
Magna  est  Veritas,  et  prevalehit .' 

Commander  Parkman  of  tlie  Do  Molav?,  at  the  con- 
clusion of  the  remarks  of  Commander  Barker,  intro- 
duced Dr.  Winslow  Lewis,  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand 
Encampment  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island.  In 
response  Dr.  Lewis  made  one  of  his  characteristic 
speeches,  full  of  honhommie,  as  well  as  good  sense,  and 
dignity.  His  remarks  were  received  in  the  same  sjiirit 
which  dictated  them,  and  were  warmly  applauded.  lie 
said  that  he  had  been  unexpectedly  called  upon,  not  from 
any  merit  of  his  own,  but  because  he  held  the  highest 
office  in  the  brotherhood  in  Massachusetts  and  Rhode 
Island.  But  high  official  position  does  not  confer  upon 
its  possessor  the  gift  of  oratory.  He  stood  mute,  over- 
whelmed by  the  presence  of  the  fair  outsiders  who  sur- 
rounded them.  He  felt  as  if  he  had  been  perforated  in 
all  directions  by  tlie  shots  from  their  bright  eyes.  The 
wounds  they  inflicted  diil  not  ])roduce  anguish,  but 
ecstasy,  j-et  they  deprived  him  of  the  power  to  com- 
mand language  appropriate  to  express  his  thanks  for  the 
kind  reception  the  Sir  Knights  from  New  England  had 
met  with.     He  represented  Massachusetts,  whose  history 


62  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

is  Avell  known,  and  Rhode  Island,  the  land  of  Roger  Wil- 
liams, the  defender  of  religious  liberty.  He  appeared 
as  a  venerable  father,  for  his  hairs  were  gray,  and  he 
pointed  with  pride  to  these  his  children,  the  Sir  Knights 
of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  of  whom  he  could 
say  Avith  the  Spartan  mother,  "  These  are  my  jewels," 
and  with  Christopher  Wren,  the  architect  of  St.  Paul's, 
Si  requiris  monumenta  circumsjnce. 

When  the  pleasant  remarks  of  Doctor  Lewis  were 
concluded,  the  Richmond  ladies  commenced  an  assault 
upon  the  visiting  Knights,  which  for  the  moment  discon- 
certed them,  although  they  manifested  no  disposition  to 
fly  the  field.  Numberless  bouquets  of  the  rarest  and 
fairest  flowers  were  thrown  over  the  heads  of  the  Rich- 
mond Knights,  directly  into  the  ranks  of  the  New-Eng- 
landers,  and  if  the  attacking  force  had  followed  up  their 
advantage  promptly,  they  might  have  captured  the  entire 
battalion  of  Sir  Knights  from  abroad.  While  the  ladies 
were  making  this  hostile  demonstration,  the  Providence 
Band,  stationed  in  the  gallery,  struck  up  an  enlivening 
air,  and  when  it  was  concluded,  the  Grand  Commanders, 
Sir  Knights  Lewis,  Pai-kman,  and  Barker,  were  escorted 
to  the  platform,  the  audience  cheering  loudly  during  the 
proceeding. 

Sir  Knight  Lyons  received  them,  and  said  that  one 
Knight  had  extolled  the  great  courage  and  daring  of  the 
Templars  in  the  olden  times,  who  could  conquer  though 
the  odds  were  ten  to  one  ;  but  one  of  the  visiting  Knights 
(Dr.  Lewis)  just  now  confessed  that  he  was  compelled 
to  lower  the  point  of  his  lance  when  he  found  himself  in 
an  ambuscade  of  ladies.  Yet  what  could  he  have  done 
save  to  surrender?  What  could  any  true  Knight  do 
but  lay  down  his  arms,  and  yield  himself  to  the  tender 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  63 

mercies  of  sucli  arms  as  surrounded  them  ?  He  sympa- 
thized with  that  Sir  Knight  in  his  sufferings,  for  he  knew 
that  intense  pleasure  produces  a  degi-ee  of  suffering,  and 
he  feared  that  his  friend  would  be  pained  still  more  be- 
fore he  was  done  with  his  Virginia  friends.  His  suffer- 
ings, and  those  of  his  companions,  were  not  yet  over,  for 
even  now  he  had  to  present  to  them  a  ])iece  of  the  handi- 
Avork  of  the  wife  of  a  Sir  Knight. 

He  then  presented  to  them  a  floral  Maltese  cross, 
suspended  in  an  elegant  wreath  of  artificial  flowers. 
The  flowers  were  attached  to  the  frame  of  the  cross  by 
golden  breastpins,  each  of  which  was  a  Masonic  emblem. 
The  most  exquisite  taste  was  displayed  in  this  beautiful 
offering. 

Sir  Knight  Lyons  proceeded  to  say :  "  But  this  is  not 
all ;  for  the  pilgrim  has  always  some  new  hardship  to  en- 
counter, the  Knight  some  new  danger  to  meet.  I  am 
about  to  add  to  the  sweet  perfume  of  flowers,  the  bewitch- 
ing words  of  woman."  He  then  read  the  following  poet- 
ical "  Welcome,"  written  by  Mrs.  Wirt  Robinson  :  — 

WELCOME   TO   THE   PILGRIMS. 

We  bid  ye  welcome  from  the  East, 

Tlirice  welcome  to  our  homes ; 
"With  cordial  grasp  we  now  attest, 

Brother  to  brother  comes. 
As  Pilgrim  Fathers,  who  of  old 

Achieved  a  noble  fame, 
So  your  beneficence  excelled 

When  our  Knigiit  Templar's  name 
Was  registered  with  those  most  dear 

Beneath  your  proud  roof-tree, 
Whose  germination  blest  the  care 

Of  Mason  ancestry. 


64  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

With  stranger  worship  at  your  shrine. 

Though  Craftsman  tried  and  true, 
They  came  with  cross,  device,  and  sign, 

"  Voluntas  Dei,"  too. 
Liive  brethren  long  loved  and  known, 

Masons  of  high  degree, 
Ye  made  each  day  a  magic  zone,  — 

Each  hour  a  memory,  — 
That  twined  around  your  altar-stone 

Memento  wreaths,  so  rare, 
That,  till  life's  latest  thought  has  flown, 

Their  charms  will  cluster  there. 

Could  woman's  voice  proclaim  in  song, 

LiJiC  poean  chants  of  yore, 
Responsive  echoes,  pure  and  strong, 

Her  heart-strings  pulsate  o'er,  — 
'T  would  tell  how  nobly  good,  and  true 

To  suffering  mankind. 
Amid  the  haunts  where  joys  are  few. 

Thy  footprints  we  e'er  find. 
Within  the  sorrow-clouded  home. 

Beneath  the  pall  of  grief. 
With  ministry  of  peace  ye  come, 

With  solace  and  relief. 
In  many  a  cot,  hoWever  poor, 

By  many  a  saddened  hearth, 
Thy  sacred  mission  opes  the  door, 

And  points  above  the  earth. 
Like  dew-drops  on  the  arid  soil, 

Like  balm  unto  the  heart. 
So  Charity,  like  holy  oil, 

Lends  life  a  better  part : 
That  while  it  blesses,  elevates. 

In  comfoiting,  it  cheers, 
Through  life  the  spirit  it  elates. 

In  death  bright  hopes  it  rears. 
Let  floral  incense  emblem  well 

The  friendship  we  'd  extend. 
And  beauty  of  each  tinted  bell 

"Bright  hieroglyphic"  lend. 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  65 

Till,  like  a  precious  rosary, 

Each  blossom  seems  a  prayer, 
Each  petal  hallowed  imagery. 

To  "  all  who  've  passed  the  square." 

The  presentation  of  the  cross  and  circle,  and  reading  of 
tlie  poem,  were  followed  by  loud  and  prolonged  applause. 
Gilmore's  Band  next  performed  an  elaborate  piece,  ar- 
ranged from  operatic  music,  which  was  listened  to  with 
much  apparent  gratification  by  the  entire  audience. 

M.  E.  Grand  Commander  Parkman  addressed  the 
ladies  in  a  pleasant  speech  of  thanks  for  the  tokens  of 
their  esteem.  Man  has  his  cross  to  bear,  he  said,  but 
one  so  beautiful  as  this,  laid  on  by  the  fair  hands  of  wo- 
man, becomes  a  pleasing  burden,  —  such  a  one  as  every 
Knight  of  New  England  would  be  anxious  to  bear. 

A  stalwart  Sir  Knight  of  New  Jersey,  Sir  M.  J. 
Drummond,  of  the  Hugh  de  Payen  Commandery  of  that 
State,  now  came  forward,  and,  on  behalf  of  his  Command- 
cry,  presented  to  the  Richmond  Templars  a  handsome 
banner,  —  the  Beauseant,  or  battle-flag  of  the  Order. 
It  was  a  beautiful  standard,  the  lower  half  black,  the 
upper  half  white,  with  two  black  bars,  suspended  upon  a 
mahogany  staff,  surmounted  by  a  gold  cross.  In  present- 
ing the  banner,  Sir  Knight  Drummond  made  the  follow- 
ing address  :  — 

"Worthy  Sii*  Kniglit,  Eminent  Sir,  and  Sir  Kniglits,  —  I  have 
the  honor  to  tender,  for  your  acceptance,  with  all  knightly  cour- 
tesy, from  the  Hugh  de  Payen  Commandery  of  Knights  Tem- 
plars of  Xew  Jersey,  the  celebrated  Beauseant,  or  battle-stand- 
ard, of  our  Order.  To  the  veteran  Sir  Kniglits  an  explanation 
of  tlie  celebrated  flag  may  be  deemed  unnecessary,  but  to  the 
younger  or  newly  initiated  Sir  Knights  there  may  be  no  im- 
propriety in  explaining  the  definition  of  the  word  Beauseant, 
5 


66  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

Avliicli  means  "  fair  and  pleasant  to  Christians,  Ijut  black  and 
terrible  to  infidels."  The  Beanseaut  was  first  raised  by  Huwh 
de  Payen,  Geoffrey  of  St.  Omer's,  and  seven  other  validnt 
Knights,  who  fought  under  the  banners  of  Godfrey  of  Bouil- 
lon, and  assisted  at  the  siege  and  capture  of  Jerusalem,  A.  D. 
1099.  A  score  of  years  had  elapsed  after  that  event ;  when 
these  pious  and  valiant  Knights,  in  consequence  of  the  shocking 
cruelties  perpetrated  on  the  unoffending  ^iilgrims,  bound  them- 
selves by  a  solemn  vow  to  devote  the  remainder  of  their  lives 
to  warfare  against  the  ferocious  Saracens,  who  occupied  the 
mountain  passes,  and  to  protect  the  poor  and  weary  pilgrims, 
male  and  female,  travelling  from  afar,  who  at  the  shrine  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  desired  to  offer  up  theii*  orisons,  and  pay 
their  vows  ;  for  so  numerous  had  they  become,  that  they  were 
styled  "  the  armies  of  the  Lord "  ;  and  it  is  recorded  that  seven 
thousand  pilgrims,  old  and  young,  females  and  childi'en,  visited 
the  Holy  Sepulchre  in  one  year.  The  Beauseant  was  thus 
raised  to  protect  the  Christian  maiden,  the  destitute  widow,  the 
helpless  orphan,  and  the  Christian  religion,  —  whence  they  were 
first  termed  "  the  poor  fellow-soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,"  after- 
wards styled  Templars. 

And  when  battling  at  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  in  the  moun- 
tain passes  of  Lebanon,  the  burning  deserts  of  Syria,  or  the 
flowery  fields  of  Damascus,  whether  in  the  open  field  or  mount- 
ing the  deadly  breach,  the  Beauseant  was  at  all  times  first  in 
the  assault,  and  the  last  in  retreat.  The  Order  had  become 
so  feared  and  respected  for  its  desperate  courage,  that  it  was 
deemed  the  strong  arm  of  defence  against  the  infidel,  and  even 
the  lion-hearted  Richard  deigned  to  invoke  its  protection  on 
his  departure  to  Europe. 

The  Beauseant,  for  two  hundred  years  engaged  in  all  the 
gi-eat  battles  of  Palestine,  is  hallowed  by  a  thousand  endear- 
ing recollections  to  every  true  and  valiant  Templar,  and  I 
now  present  it  in  the  name  of  Hugh  de  Payen,  without  spot  or 
blemish,  and  with  it  this  pious  offering  of  a  Christian  virgin,*  — 

*  The  speaker  had  received  one  of  the  flowers  thrown  by  the  ladies. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  67 

one  of  the  band  I  have  sworn  by  my  knightly  obligation  to 
defend  vrith  my  sword  and  purse,  if  necessary- ;  for  I  know  too 
well  my  obligation  as  given  by  St.  Bernard  in  1128,  Article 
43,  —  that  no  Knight  shall  receive  a  gift  imless  he  first  obtain 
permission  of  the  Grand  Master.  The  Beauseant  once  floated 
proudly  in  Palestine,  but  the  machinations  of  a  Philip  and  a 
Clement  trailed  it  in  the  dust,  and  with  it  that  model  of  cour- 
age and  integi'ity,  James  De  INIolay,  who  suffered  martyrdom 
at  the  stake  rather  than  tarnish  its  fair  fame.  In  presence  of 
the  noble  descendants  of  the  Templars  now  before  us,  and  the 
right  valiant  Knights  of  St.  John,  I  raise  the  Beauseant,  and, 
backed  by  their  stout  hearts  and  shaq?  sabres,  will  cheerfully 
defend  it ;  and  to  Richmond  Commandery  we  now  intrust  its 
future  keeping,  feeling  that,  in  the  hands  of  Knights  whose  fame 
is  spread  both  far  and  wide  for  deeds  of  charity  and  knightly 
hospitality,  its  fame  will  be  untarnished ;  and  that,  when  raised 
by  command  of  their  chief,  willing  hearts,  strong  arms,  and 
keen  sabres  will  support  and  defend  it.  Receive  it,  worthy  Sir 
Knight,  and  place  it  in  the  West,  that  the  brilliant  rays  of  the 
rising  sun,  shedding  their  lustre  on  It,  may  encourage  and  ani- 
mate all  true  and  courteous  Knights,  and  confound  and  dismay 
their  enemies. 

Sir  Knight  Thomas  J.  Evans,  of  Richmond,  replied  as 
follows,  on  behalf  of  the  Richmond  Commandery  :  — 

With  jileasure  and  with  pride,  and  in  the  knightly  spirit 
with  which  it  is  tendered,  we  accept  this  beautiful  flag.  Allow 
me.  Sir  Knight,  in  the  name  of  the  Richmond  Commandery, 
which  I  have  the  honor  to  represent,  to  return  through  you  to 
the  Hugh  de  Payen  Commandery  of  New  Jersey,  of  which 
you  are  the  Most  Eminent  Commander,  our  thanks  —  our  sin- 
cere thanks — for  this  token  of  your  fraternal  kindness,  so  fitly 
expressed  in  the  presentation  of  this  flag. 

Allow  me  to  assure  you.  Sir  Knight,  that  while  we  shall 
greatly  prize  it  for  its  intrinsic  value  and  its  beauty,  to  us  it 
will  have  a  higher  value,  —  we  shall  prize  it  the  more  for  the 


68  PILGRIMAGE   TO  VIEGIXIA 

generous  spirit  wliicli  prompted  the  donation.  TTe  shall  be  con- 
stantly reminded  that  it  was  a  gift  from  New  Jersey  to  Virginia. 
It  will  ever  remind  us,  too,  of  the  deeds  of  noble  daring  of  the 
valiant  founders  of  our  Order,  who  bore  its  like  on  the  field  of 
honor  and  of  battle  only  in  defence  of  merit  and  of  truth. 
May  the  spirit  of  Hugh  de  Payen  ever  inspire  us  with  a  fixed 
and  steady  purpose  of  mind  to  preserve  without  stain  or  tarnish 
the  Beauseant  of  ancient  days. 

It  is  said  that  the  days  of  chivalry  have  passed  away.  True, 
its  peculiar  manifestations  may  not  now  be  seen,  but  I  cannot 
believe  that  its  spirit  is  extinct.  The  last  hundred  years  have 
given  to  the  world  instances  of  heroism  and  courage  of  which 
the  proudest  Knights  of  antiquity  might  well  have  been  proud. 
Nor  need  we  wander  from  the  shores  of  our  own  continent  for 
illustrations.  Bunker  Hill  and  Quebec;  Germantown  and 
Trenton  ;  Yorktown,  Lundy's  Lane,  and  Chippewa  ;  Chepulte- 
pec  and  Cherubusco  ;  Buena  Vista  and  Cerro  Gordo,  —  have 
been  the  scenes  of  valor  unsurpassed  in  any  land  and  in  any 
period  of  the  world's  history. 

I  cannot  doubt  then,  that,  if  to  protect  the  honor  of  innocent 
maidens,  to  defend  destitute  widows,  helpless  orphans,  our 
glorious  country,  or  our  blessed  religion,  we  should  be  called  to 
the  field  of  battle,  the  Knights  of  our  Order  and  of  our  day 
wUl  be  as  ready  to  di-aw  the  trusty  SM'ord  as  in  daj-s  of  yore  ; 
and  that  these  of  the  Kichmond  Commandery  will  not  suffer 
this  time-honored  flag  to  trail  in  the  dust  till  the  last  lance  be 
broken  and  the  last  sword  be  shattered. 

We  liciil  this  flag  as  the  evidence  of  another  Hnk  in  that 
chain  of  confidence  and  affection  which  now  binds  the  citizens 
of  om'  sister  States.  Closer  and  tighter  may  that  silver  chain 
be  drawn,  and  palsied  be  the  arm  that  would  strike  a  blow  at 
its  integrity.  But  we  claim  to  be  men  of  deeds  rather  than  of 
words. 

Again,  Sir  Knight,  we  thank  thee, 
And  rest  assured,  my  gallant  Knight, 
That  in  defence  of  truth  and  right, 
"  Beneath  this  flag  we'll  proudly  fight, 
And  die,  if  need  be." 


OF  THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  69 

Sir  Knights  of  the  Richmond  Commanclery,  I  charge  you, 
defend  it,  —  by  the  recollection  of  the  past,  the  dignity  of  the 
present,  and  the  solemnity  of  the  future,  I  invoke  you  to  guai'd 
it  fi'om  dishonor. 


The  exercises  at  the  liall  were  now  concluded,  and  the 
Templars  filed  out,  and  were  soon  followed  by  the  audi- 
ence. The  ceremonies  of  the  reception  were  simple, 
characterized  by  no  pomjj  or  straining  after  effect ; 
but  they  excited  constant  interest  during  their  progress, 
and  produced  the  deepest  gratification  in  the  bosoms  of 
the  visiting  Templars.  The  fine  body  of  Sir  Ejiights 
occupying  the  middle  portion  of  the  hall,  bordered  on 
each  side  by  rows  of  female  beauty,  and  beleaguered  by 
bright  eyes,  —  the  insignia  of  the  Order  displayed  upon 
the  walls,  —  the  rich  and  beautiful  floral  decorations  on 
every  hand,  —  together  produced  an  impression  that  will 
not  soon  be  erased  from  the  minds  of  those  who  wit- 
nessed the  unusual  scene. 

On  leaving  the  Mechanics'  Institute  Hall,  the  Encamp- 
ments were  escorted  by  the  Richmond  Commandery  down 
Bank  Street  to  Nineteenth,  up  Nineteenth  to  Broad,  along 
Broad  to  the  corner  of  Twenty-fifth,  down  Twenty-fifth  to 
Main,  up  Main  to  Nineteenth,  up  Nineteenth  to  Franklin, 
then  up  Franklin  to  the  Masonic  Hall. 

The  knightly  procession  was  witnessed  by  thousands  of 
the  citizens  of  Richmond,  whose  admiration  of  the  si^ec- 
tacle  was  freely  expressed.  Before  reaching  Masonic 
Hall  a  shower  began  to  fall ;  but  a  grateful  asylum 
was  found  within,  where  tables  were  spread  and  tempt- 
ing viands  collated  with  all  the  accessories  the  most 
exigent  bon-vivant  would  desire  at  a  feast.  The  boun- 
tiful refreshments   were  highly  appreciated  by  the   Sir 


70  PILGRIMAGE   TO   ^^RGIXIA 

Knights  after  the  fatigues  of  the  march,  and  they  re- 
mained in  the  hall  a  considerable  time,  enjoying  the 
shelter  of  the  outer  man  from  the  rain,  and  the  recrea- 
tion of  the  inner  man  as  well. 

When  the  feasting  was  ended,  Sir  Knight  Benjamin 
Deane,  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  requested  the 
attention  of  the  comjiany  while  he  read  the  following 
telegraphic  despatch :  — 

Boston,  May  17,  1859. 
To  Ben.tamix  Deaxe,  De  JSIolcnj  Encampment :  — 

The  mangled  remains  of  Winslow  Lewis  Lodge  to  their 
wandering  brethren  send  fraternal  greeting,  that  is,  with  lov- 
ing hearts  to  our  half-sister  De  Molay  Encampment,  we  give 
our  best  wishes,  as  we  have  already  given  our  most  precious 
jewels.     Peace  and  prosperity  be  with  you.     So  mote  it  be. 

CLEMENT   A.   WALKER, 
Past  Master  Winslow  Lewis  Lodge. 

Three  cheers  were  heartily  given  for  "Winslow  Lewis 
Lodge  of  Boston,  and  a  season  of  social  interchange  of 
sentiment  followed. 

A  toast  proposed  by  Commander  Parkman  of  the  De 
Molay  Encampment  was  received  with  cheers,  and  Sir 
Knight  Joseph  Mayo,  Mayor  of  Richmond,  responded  in 
a  genial  strain.  He  welcomed  the  Pilgrim  Knights  of 
New  England  to  Richmond,  claiming  a  right  to  do  so,  as 
he  had  been  made  "  boss  "  of  the  city  by  the  suffrages  of 
his  fellow-citizens.  Three  cheers  were  immediately  pro- 
posed, and  given,  for  the  "  boss  "  of  Richmond. 

Further  j^leasant  remarks  were  made  by  Sir  Knights 
Parkman  and  Mayo,  and  the  band  played  ''  Yankee 
Doodle  "  by  way  of  adding  spirit  to  the  scene. 

Sir  Knight  Hamilton  Willis  of  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  71 

ment,  being  called  upon,  made  a  humorous  response  to  the 
remarks  of  the  Honorable  Mayor,  and  the  festivities  were 
closed  with  "  America,"  — 

"  My  native  country,  thee, 
Land  of  the  noble  free, 

Of  thee  I  sing,"  &c.,  — 

played  by  the  band  and  sung  by  the  whole  company. 

The  Sir  Knights  now  left  Masonic  Hall,  and,  taking 
up  their  line  of  march,  proceeded  up  Franklin  Street  to 
Eighteenth,  down  Eighteenth  to  Main,  up  Main  to  Ninth, 
thence  to  the  Capitol  Square,  thence  to  Thirteenth  Street, 
and  thence  to  the  First  Baptist  Church. 


72  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIEGINIA 


CHAPTER    VI. 

Exercises  at  the  First  Baptist  Church.  —  Oration  of  Sir 
Knight  Rev.  J.  Lansing  Burrows. — Another  Collation. — 
Preparations  for  the  Family  Banquet. 

The  Pilgrim  Knights  and  their  friends,  on  arriving  at 
the  First  Baptist  Cliurch,  found  that  spacious  building 
well  filled,  chiefly  with  ladies,  who  had  assembled,  in 
spite  of  the  rain,  to  listen  to  an  Oration  by  Eev.  J.  Lan- 
sing Burrows,  pastor  of  the  Church.  On  entering  the 
church  the  Templars  took  positions  in  the  aisles,  and 
the  three  bands  of  musicians  marched  to  the  galleries. 
The  Sir  Knights  took  seats  in  the  body  of  the  house 
which  had  been  assigned  for  them,  and  listened  first  to 
the  "  Wedding  March,"  from  Mendelssohn's  Midsummer 
Night's  Dream,  played  with  much  effect  by  Gilmore's 
Band.  The  choir  belonging  to  the  St.  Paul's  Church 
then  sang  an  anthem,  with  much  taste  and  expression. 

After  the  singing,  Sir  Knight  Rev.  F.  J.  Boggs,  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  addressed  the  Throne  of 
Grace  in  the  following 

PRAYER. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  our  Heavenly  Father: 
We  adore  and  Ijless  thy  great  and  exalted  name  for  the  innu- 
merable benefits  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us.    We  acknowl- 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEIH^LARS.  73 

edge  thy  mercy  in  sparing  onr  lives,  tliougli  we  confess  om' 
sins  have  rendered  us  unworthy  of  thy  care ;  yet,  O  Lord,  we 
humbly  pray  thee,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  us. 
.  We  thank  thee  for  the  light  of  thy  truth,  by  which  we  are 
enabled  to  discover  the  nature  and  force  of  our  obligations  to 
thee,  and  find  the  highest  encouragements  in  the  performance 
of  our  duties.  Pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  our  indifference  in 
discovering  thy  will  concerning  us,  and  our  many  imperfections 
in  serving  thee,  and  may  it  be  our  aim  to  increase  in  knowl- 
edge, vii'tue,  and  every  grace  that  may  illustrate  the  purity  of 
our  principles  and  a  proper  devotion  to  thy  cause. 

We  render  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  for  vouchsafing  unto 
us  the  pleasures  of  this  joyous  occasion,  and  especially  for  the 
privilege  afforded  us,  as  pilgrims,  in  meeting  together  and 
exchanging  our  warm  congratulations.  Help  lis,  we  pray, 
that  under  the  force  of  truth,  and  in  the  light  of  the  valuable 
tenets  of  our  Order,  it  may  be  an  occasion  of  pure  rejoicing 
and  profit  to  us  all.  ^ 

Bless  our  time-honored  institution.  May  the  light  of  thy 
favor  continue  to  rest  upon  it.  j\Iay  we  never  be  a  reproach 
in  the  earth,  nor  derogate  fi-om  the  high  character  of  our  pro- 
fession ;  and  grant  that  we  may  not  be  unmindful  of  the  sol- 
emn and  impressive  lessons  we  'have  received,  — "  whether 
treading  the  tessellated  floor,  ascending  into  the  middle  cham- 
ber, entering  the  sanctum  sanctorum,  passing  the  gates  of  the 
temple,  working  amid  the  ruins  of  its  arches,"  or  contem- 
plating that  impressive  scene  that  inspires  the  hope  of  a  glori- 
ous resurrection.  Especially  may  we,  as  Sir  Knights,  cherish 
a  sacred  remembrance  of  our  obligations,  and  seek  to  "succor, 
defend,  and  protect  the  helpless  and  distressed,"  and  stand 
forth  as  champions  to  espouse  that  cause  that  should  be  en- 
deared to  the  heart  of  every  valiant  and  magnanimous  Knight. 

Help  us  to  inculcate,  enforce,  and  practise  virtue,  ever  re- 
membering that  "  armed  with  the  mystic  sword  of  Faith,  Hope, 
and  Charity,  with  Justice,  Fortitude,  and  Mercy,"  we  shall 
have  a  strong  defence  of  right,  and  an  assurance  of  a  glorious 
triumph  over  error. 


74  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

And  now,  Lord,  we  ask  thy  merciful  and  protecting  care 
over  these,  our  brethren,  pilgrims  from  afar,  who  meet  with  us 
in  these  friendly  dominions  to  cement  and  strengthen  those  ties 
of  our  order  which  no  sectional  or  political  strife  has  ever  torn 
asunder,  and  which  Ave  trust,  in  the  hour  of  danger,  will  be 
found  enduring,  and  assist  in  perpetuating  the  union  of  our 
free  and  happy  land.  Prosper  them  in  their  pilgrimage.  Bless 
them  with  health  while  amongst  us.  Save  them  fi'om  accident. 
Watch  over  the  fi-iends  and  families  they  have  left  behind,  and 
grant  them  a  safe  retm-n  and  pleasant  recollections  of  their 
pilgi'image. 

Command  thy  blessing  upon  us  in  our  social  gi-eetings,  and 
may  we  engage  in  notliing  that  will  tarnish  our  names  or  offend 
thee. 

Let  not  our  minds  be  dazzled  with  that  which  is  merely 
external,  forgetting  to  have  engTaven  upon  our  hearts  the 
importance  of  a  proper  discharge  of  our  duties,  and  the  sol- 
emn truth  that  our  earthly  pilgrimage  is  fast  drawing  to  an 
end  ;  but  may  we  live  faithful  to  our  obligations  to  thee,  that 
we  may  die  in  the  triumphs  of  a  hope  of  immortality,  and  land 
on  the  blissful  shore,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  just  be  greeted 
and  received  as  brethren  in  the  heavenly  Asylum,  and  receive 
at  the  hands  of  our  risen  Saviour  the  welcome  plaudit  of 
"  Well  done,  good  and  faitliful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord." 

And  to  thy  great  and  glorious  name  we  will  ascribe  eternal 
praise,  through  Christ  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 

Sir  Knight  TJev.  J.  Lansing  Burrows  then  proceeded 
to  deliver,  in  presence  of  the  assembled  Knights  Templars, 
the  following 

ORATION. 

Shades  of  Miles  Standish  and  "Walter  Raleigh !  of  Colonel 
Pride  and  Prince  Rupert  I  of  Oliver  Cromwell  and  Charles  I. ! 
do  ye  witness  this  scene  ?  Look  ye  from  the  dim  spirit-land 
with  complacency  or  Avith  scorn  upon  this  affable  mingling  of 


OF   THE  KXIGIITS   TEMPLARS.  75 

voiir  posterity,  courteously  fraternizing,  smiling  upon  each 
other,  winding  their  arms  around  each  other's  shoulders  in 
brotherly  embrace,  transmitting  and  absorbing  convivial  in- 
spiration from  each  other's  laughing  eyes? 

Ye  gi-im  old  Roundheads,  and  jocund  Ca^saliers !  ye  stern 
Regicides  and  scofhng  Malignauts  I  ye  earnest  Protesters  and 
zealous  Engagers !  ye  shaggy  Crop-ears  and  profane  Love- 
locks !  can  ye  not  send  to  us,  through  some  reliable  spiritual- 
istic media,  a  specimen  of  the  temper  and  sentiment  with 
which  ye  apprehend  such  doings  as  these,  if  indeed  ye  appre- 
hend them  at  all? 

Those  doughty  fathers  of  oui-s,  irreconcilable  in  life,  perhaps 
fancied  that  they  should  perpetuate  theu'  feuds  into  the  com- 
ing generations,  and  that  their  chikb*en  and  children's  chil- 
dren should  be  religiously  taught  to  crop  their  hair  or  curl 
their  locks,  and  hate  and  fight  each  other  through  all  ages, 
world  without  end.  The  short  hair  of  the  one  faction  would 
have  bristled  "  like  quills  upon  the  fretful  porcupine,"  and  the 
incurvated  locks  of  the  other  party  would  have  straightened 
out  like  vine-tendrils  under  a  white  frost,  at  the  bare  idea 
that  their  children  should  ever  forget  their  faith  or  principles,  — 
the  essence  of  which  was,  to  abhor  and  throttle  each  other. 

I  am  happy  to  believe  that,  if  they  now  take  any  interest  in 
mundane  affairs,  they  are  pleased  that  the  legacies  they  be- 
queathed have  been  dissipated ;  that  then-  wills  have  not 
found  executors ;  or  that  the  executors  have  found  no  goods 
of  this  sort  to  distril)ute. 

It  is  far  better  as  it  is.  It  is  much  pleasanter  to  meet  in  the 
rivalry  of  mutual  fellowship  and  affection,  than  with  our  hands 
in  each  other's  hair,  and  our  gi-asp  upon  each  other's  throats. 
There  is  something  in  the  atmosphere  and  sunlight  of  this 
land  —  something  in  its  social,  spiritual,  and  civil  institutions  — 
fitted  to  assimilate  all  the  different  nationalities  into  one  new 
and  homogeneous  race.  Old  prejudices  and  peculiarities  can 
scarcely  be  transmitted  beyond  one  generation.  The  dust  of 
the  fatherland  may  cling  to  the  feet  that  have  trodden  in  it, 
but  when  the  children  come,  their  little  feet  are  bare  and  clean, 


76  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

and  yoii  can  hardly  make  them  other  than  one  people.  Into 
the  caldron  of  political  and  social  affinities  we  baptize  all 
comers,  and  they  emerge  smelted,  jinrified ;  all  the  different 
metals  combining  to  form  a  new  one,  more  malleable  and  jjrac- 
ticable  for  purposes  useful  and  ornamental,  than  any  or  all  the 
separate  original  elements. 

What  do  we  see  here  ?  Massachusetts,  picking  up  Rhode 
Island  in  courteous  fellowship,  on  the  way  to  Virginia.  The 
sons  of  John  Cotton  impressing  into  a  loving  communion  —  a 
travelling  sodality  —  the  sons  of  Roger  Williams,  and  both 
marching  to  greet,  in  loving  fi-aternity  and  affection,  the  chil- 
dren of  Pocahontas  and  John  Smith.  We  would  that  it 
should  not  be  forgotten  that  the  first  of  the  illustrious  Ameri- 
can family  of  John  Smith  was  a  Vii'ginian  ;  while,  gentlemen, 
we  do  you  the  justice  to  acknowledge  that  the  first  eminent 
Co//OM-grower  was  a  Massachusetts  man. 

And  now,  illustrious  Sir  Knights  of  New  England,  as  you 
have  ventured  here  upon  our  soil,  it  may  be  weU  that,  at  the 
.  outset,  we  should  come  to  a  mutual  undei*standing  as  to  cer- 
tain differences  between  us. 

Scarce  a  year  has  elapsed  since  certain  of  our  Virginia 
Templars  were  found  by  you  on  jNIassachusetts  soil.  We  have 
heard  with,  I  trust,  suitable  emotions,  of  the  treatment  which 
these  wandering  Knights  received  at  your  hands  in  Boston 
and  Providence.  We  understand  that  they  were  seized,  made 
captives,  and  jiut  upon  their  ransom ;  that  they  were  watched, 
guarded,  paraded  about  the  sti-cets  as  a  show,  scarcely  per- 
mitted to  pass  beyond  their  prison  doors  without  watchful 
attendance ;  that  they  were  fed  upon  —  well,  I  will  not  trust 
myself  to  say  what  they  were  fed  upon ;  and  that  the  drink 
you  provided  for  them  was  not  always  pure  —  water. 

We  learn  that  you  refused  even  to  permit  them  to  sleep 
sufficiently  for  the  needs  of  nature,  keeping  them  from  their 
beds  vmtil  late  hours  at  night,  or  early  hours  in  the  morning, 
and  even  then  sometimes  following  them  into  their-  chambers, 
as  though  fearful  of  trusting  them  out  of  your  sight. 

We  are  informed  that  you  forced  them  to  the  very  verge  of 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  77 

all  sorts  of  perils,  pushing  them  to  the  very  edge  of  the  fi'ight- 
fiil  pond  on  Boston  Common,  leading  them  to  the  dome  of  the 
State  House,  forcing  them  to  drag  their  wearied  limbs  to  the 
top  of  Bunker  Hill  Monument,  and  bidding  them  look  over, 
making  their  heads  giddy,  while  you  stood  behind  them  laugh- 
ing at  their  terror  as  they  shrank  back.  Why,  Sir  Knights, 
if  you  had  pushed  our  companions  over  from  that  height,  some 
of  them  might  have  had  broken  arms  or  legs ;  or  at  least  might 
have  scratched  theii*  comely  fiices,  thus  marring  theu'  beauty : 
or  bruised  their  armor,  thus  putting  them  to  expense !  You 
even  marshalled  them  through  a  graveyard,  as  if  to  terrify  them 
with  the  emblems  of  death,  or  threaten  them  with  a  speedy 
burial.  Various  other  modes  did  you  adojit  for  expressing  the 
jierturbation  and  boisterousness  of  your  emotions,  which,  out 
of  regard  to  the  reputation  of  the  Order,  I  must  not  speak  of 
in  the  ears  of  the  uninitiated. 

"We  learn,  too,  that  it  Avas  only  after  incredible  and  repeated 
sehemings  and  labors,  that  our  noble  Sir  Knights  succeeded 
in.  escaping  from  your  watch  and  ward ;  that  you  pursued  them 
even  beyond  the  limits  of  your  own  territory ;  and  that  it  was 
by  a  rough  and  rugged  road  that  they  found  their  way  home. 

And  now.  Templars  of  New  England,  you,  in  your  turn,  are 
in  our  homes  ;  you  have  had  the  temerity  to  venture  Avithin  om* 
encampment.  Can  we  forget  the  treatment  our  brethren  re- 
ceived from  you  ?  We  do  not  perceive  that  you  feel  humbled 
or  ashamed  at  being  reminded  of  the  character  of  your  con- 
duct toward  our  companions.  We  fancy  that  even  now  you 
arc  maliciously  chuckling  over  it. 

Sir  Knights,  we  proclaim  against  you  the  lex  talionis.  We 
are  bent  upon  revenge.  Guard  yourselves.  It  shall  go  hard 
with  us  if  we  do  not  send  you  back  as  good  as  you  gave.  We 
can  hardly  hope  to  surpass  your  outbreaks  against  our  com- 
panions when  they  were  in  your  power.  You  absolutely  took 
from  them  that  higlicst  boon  of  Heaven,  —  that  proudest  boast 
of  Knights  Templars,  —  their  liberty,  and  subjected  them  to 
your  own  will  and  pleasure. 

In  the  course  of  human  events  you  have  become  our  cap- 


78  PILGRIMAGE  TO   MRGIXIA 

tives  now,  and  the  measure  you  meted  to  us  will  we  measure 
to  you  again.  Hope  not  for  peace  or  rest  or  mercy.  It  is  our 
fell  pui-pose  to  strain  your  limbs  and  stretch  your  throats ;  to 
exhibit  you  proudly  and  publicly  as  the  captives  of  sword  and 
lance.  Your  backs  shall  ache,  and  so  shall  all  the  organs  in 
anteposition  thereto.  You  shall  go  where  we  direct,  stay 
where  we  place  you,  sleep  when  we  permit  you,  eat  of  such 
fare  as  we  choose  to  provide  for  you ;  and  if  it  should  chance 
to  be  a  crust  of  bread  and  a  cup  of  water,  it  will  only  be 
renewing  some  of  the  experiences  of  the  years  of  your  pilgrim- 
age, and  enduring  over  again  the  privations  which  all  have 
submitted  to  who  have  worthily  sought  admission  into  our  illus- 
trious Order.  And  when  your  penance  is  complete,  your  pen- 
itence sincere,  —  when  you  submissively  acknowledge  your- 
selves in  our  power,  and  rightfully  at  our  disposal,  —  it  is 
possible  that  we  may  take  pity  upon  your  sufferings,  and  at 
length,  finding  you  humbled  and  amended,  bid  you  depart  to 
your  homes  in  peace. 

And  now,  as  a  portion  of  the  penance  prescribed  to  you  for 
your  manifold  derelictions,  you  are  required  to  listen  respect- 
fully and  reverently  to  a  homily  which  I  have  been  appointed 
to  pronounce.  The  infliction  may  be  a  severe  one  to  you,  but 
I  hope  you  wiU  endure  it  patiently  and  wakefully.  Some 
things  hard  to  bear  are  necessary  as  discipline  and  chastise- 
ment for  our  faults,  and  among  them  listening  to  a  lecture,  on 
a  sunny  morning  in  ^lay,  is  one.  I  hope  you  will  endure  it 
like  brave  Knights,  accustomed  to  severe  self-denial. 

We  are  here  happy  to  meet  with  you.  Brothers,  Compan- 
ions, Knights,  upon  an  occasion  so  pleasant.  For  it  is  pleas- 
ant to  meet  in  these  fraternal  assemblages,  to  greet  old  friends, 
and  to  stretch  the  chords  of  our  hearts,  so  that  they  shall  en- 
twine new  friends  witliin  the  mystic  circle  of  brotherly  confi- 
dence and  affection.  Man  grows  selfish  by  living  alone. 
Confined  within  the  limits  of  the  farm  or  workshop,  the 
counting-room  or  the  office,  there  is  but  little  space  for  that 
development  of  the  affections  which  is  necessary  in  order  to 
strengthen  them,  and  procure  the  highest  enjoyment.     Tlie 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  79 

heart  is  cultivated,  and  its  felicities  are  multiplied,  by  expan- 
sion. Some  speak  as  though  man  was  capable  only  of  a  given 
amount  of  love,  which  must  be  concentrated  in  order  to  high- 
est enjojTnent,  and  which  is  necessarily  weakened  by  exten- 
sion to  every  new  object.  It  is  an  erroneous  notion.  Tlie 
more  we  truly  and  purely  love,  the  more  intensely  are  we 
capable  of  loving  each  individual  drawn  within  the  pressure 
of  the  affections.  The  father  does  not  find  his  love  for  his  first- 
born child  diminished,  when  a  sixth  or  a  tenth  comes  to  claim  a 
share.  The  first  has  it  all,  each  intermediate  little  one  has  it 
all,  and  yet  he  finds  he  can  fix  it  all  upon  the  baby ;  and  that, 
too,  without  depriving  the  mother  of  any.  The  truth  is,  love 
is  like  light,  unwasted  by  use.  One  man  alone  in  a  forty-acre 
lot  has  all  the  sunshine ;  but  he  has  just  as  much  if  a  thousand 
men  gather  within  the  fence.  He  loses  none  because  its  rays 
fall  upon  others.  Each  one  has  it  all,  and  every  new-comer 
finds  all  its  rays  beaming  upon  himself,  without  diverting  a 
single  ray  from  any  other.  So  it  is  with  the  love  of  the  heart. 
If  I  love  ten  friends  dearly,  I  can  take  an  eleventh  into  my 
affections  without  the  slightest  diminution  of  regard  for  any 
one  of  the  ten ;  and  if  the  eleventh,  then  the  hundredth  or 
thousandth.  More  than  this,  I  am  multiplying  the  sources  of 
my  own  felicity  by  multiplying  the  objects  of  my  love.  If  the 
love  of  one  faithful  friend  makes  me  happy,  then  the  love  of 
ten  makes  me  ten  times  happy,  and  the  love  of  a  thousand  a 
thousand  times  happy.  It  is  true  there  are  peculiar  kinds  of 
affection,  growing  out  of  our  social  relations,  which  cannot  be 
transferred  or  rivalled.  You  can  love  no  other  man's  mother 
with  the  same  kind  of  affection  as  your  own  dear  mother,  no 
other  man's  child  or  wife,  as  you  love  your  own.  But  you  rob 
not  a  mother  or  child  or  wife  of  any  affection  by  loving  one  or 
a  hundred  friends.  And  the  God  that  formed  us,  knowing  the 
wonderful  capabilities  of  the  heart  which  he  created,  has  made 
love  supreme  to  himself,  and  love  to  our  neighbors  as  our- 
selves, the  sum  and  substance  of  all  his  commandments. 
What  a  happy  world  would  this  be,  if  every  one  in  it  cher- 
ished and  exercised  in  dailv  life  all  the  love  of  which  he  is 


80  PILGRIMAGE  TO   VIRGINIA 

capable.  I  have  seen  an  elastic  cord,  encircling  a  single  paper, 
and  it  was  loose  and  easily  blown  from  the  table  by  a  passing 
breeze.  But  as  paper  after  paper  was  thrust  within  the  fold, 
the  pressure  tightened  around  all,  holding  each  more  closely, 
and  the  original  document  more  securely  than  before.  So, 
have  I  thought,  is  it  with  the  affections.  Like  these  elastic 
cords,  they  are  capable  of  indefinite  expansion,  but  that  very 
expansion  renders  them  more  tenacious  in  their  hold  upon  all, 
and  especially  upon  the  central  objects  of  regard.  The  sum 
of  all  this  is  simply  this,  that  we  cannot  love  too  many  nor  too 
much ;  and  this  I  believe  to  be  good  Masonry,  as  I  am  sure  it 
is  good  theology.  It  is  in  view  of  these  jirinciples  that  I  say, 
we  are  happy  to  meet  you,  to  form  new  fi-iendships  by  this  joy- 
ous gathering,  because  we  are  sure  we  shaU  find  new  objects 
of  fi-aternal  regard,  and  consequently  an  augmentation  of  the 
sources  of  happiness. 

But  it  is  time  to  introduce  the  special  theme  upon  which  I 
propose  to  speak. 

There  are  some  who  find  or  frame  objections  to  the  frater- 
nity with  which  we  deem  it  an  honor  to  be  united.  There 
are  others  who  doubt  whether  its  influence  is  wholly  benefi- 
cent, and  fear  lest  thei'e  may  be  evil  concealed  beneath  its 
mysteries.  Now,  without  formally  enumerating  objections,  or 
attempting  to  reason  against  prejudices,  I  propose  simply  and 
truthfully  attempting  to  show  WHAT  TEMPLAR  LAWS 
REQUIRE  OF  TEMPLAR  KNIGHTS.  This  is  the  theme 
which  I  especially  propose  to  discuss.  I  shall  be  able,  of 
course,  to  touch  but  a  few  points  within  the  limits  permitted 
to  an  address.  But,  without  entering  into  prohibited  particu- 
lars, I  shaU  aim  to  present  some  of  the  more  prominent  princi- 
ples of  the  Order. 

What,  then,  are  the  doctrines  adopted,  and  the  duties 
required,  of  every  man  who  is  luortldbj  associated  with  the  fra- 
ternity ? 

I  say  worthily;  for  it  is  not  to  be  denied  that  there  are 
unworthy  Masons  and  Templars,  as  there  are  unworthy  mem- 
bers of  every  other  organization,  not  excepting  that  highest  of 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  81 

eartUy  organizations,  the  Church  of  God.  If  the  character 
of  an  institution  is  to  be  judged  by  the  improper  conduct  or 
crimes  of  some  of  its  members,  then  there  is  no  pure  or  useful 
society  on  earth. 

I.  Ternpku-  Masonry  requires  of  Knights  fraternal  confidence^ 
sympathy,  and  love. 

Masons  are  taught  to  confide  in  each  other,  to  trust  each 
other  implicitly.  According  to  the  principles  of  the  Order,  a 
Knight  is  sure  to  find  a  trusty,  sympathetic  friend  in  every 
other  Knight,  though  he  may  have  been  a  stranger  to  him 
personall}'.  And  in  this  world,  where  there  is  so  much  of  cold 
suspicion,  and  jealousy,  and  distrust,  is  it  not  cheering  to 
know  that  there  are  faitliful  hearts  into  which  we  can  pour 
our  sorrows  and  griefs  and  wrongs,  and  be  assured  that  they 
will  be  met  by  no  sneering  repulse,  no  frigid  exhortation  to 
'•  take  care  of  yourself,  and  manage  your  aflfairs  better,"  no 
chilling  inquiry  of  the  eye  or  tongue,  "  What  is  this  to  me  ?  " 
—  but  that  you  will  rather  find  a  warm,  brotherly  sjTnpathy, 
which  is  at  once  interested  for  you,  ready  to  soothe  and 
counsel  and  aid  ?  A  Mason  always  has  a  right  —  a  right  which 
is  promptly  recognized  by  a  true  brother  —  to  ask  for  advice 
and  sympathy  and  aid,  and  to  fear  no  betrayal  or  exposure,  to 
dread  no  unkind  repulse.  In  all  his  relations  in  life,  the 
Llason  is  taught,  that  on  the  one  hand  it  is  his  duty  to  give, 
and  that  on  the  other  hand  he  has  a  right  to  expect,  counte- 
nance and  assistance  from  his  brethren.  Other  things  being 
equal,  a  Mason  has  the  first  claim  upon  a  Mason.  Of  course 
there  is  no  right  to  require  a  sacrifice  of  any  of  the  political, 
social,  or  religious  interests  or  relations  of  life ;  there  is  no 
right  to  demand  a  crime  or  self-injury ;  but,  as  I  have  already 
said,  other  things  being  equal,  a  Knight  is  always  bound  to 
prefer  a  Knight.  Is  it  objected,  that  this  is  a  wrong  and  selfish 
principle  ?  But  how  is  it  so  ?  Is  not  every  man  conscious  of 
an  attraction  of  affinity  toward  some  of  his  fellow-men  rather 
than  toward  others  ?  There  are  some  men  in  whom  you  pre- 
fer to  confide,  deal  in  business,  be  associated  on  more  intimate 
6 


82  PILGEBIAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

and  friendly  terms  tliau  witli  others.  You  -will  aid  them  as  you 
may  have  opportunity,  throw  business  in  their  way,  seek  so  far 
as  you  can  to  advance  all  their  interests.  If  there  are  none  to- 
ward whom  you  feel  such  proclivities,  no  man  for  whose  prosper- 
ity and  happiness  you  feel  a  warmer  interest  than  for  the  mass 
of  mankind,  you  are  to  be  pitied  as  a  poor,  selfish  mortal, 
whose  social  affections  have  been  frozen  by  intense  worldli- 
ness,  or  having  been  originally  chilled  in  a  harsh,  ungenial 
nature,  have  never  been  thawed  out  by  benevolence  and  fra- 
ternal sympathy.  Now  this  general  sympathy,  common  to  our 
humanity  in  its  higher  and  nobler  types,  Masonry  guides  along 
certain  prescribed  paths.  On  some  satisfactory  grounds  every 
man  has  certain  preferences  and  leanings  towards  certain 
other  men.  Other  tilings  being  equal,  Masons  prefer  Masons. 
There  are  reasons  why  they  should  do  so,  and  in  doing  so  they 
are  only  directing  into  definite  channels  those  sympathies  and 
encouragements  which  must  find  objects  somewhere.  If  two 
men  sustain  to  you  precisely  the  same  general  relations,  and 
you,  by  your  influence,  can  promote  the  interests  of  one  of 
them,  you  will  give  that  influence  in  his  favor  with  whom  you 
have  the  closest  sympathy,  —  for  whom  you  feel  the  warmest 
affection.  You  would  not  injure  the  other,  but  your  afiinities 
and  affections  draw  you  toward  your  most  intimate  friend. 
Every  man  is  conscious  of  this,  and  it  is  right.  Masonry  re- 
quires this,  —  Templarism  requires  it.  Nothing  more,  nothing 
less.  Within  the  limits  of  right  and  justice  and  honor,  a  ]Ma- 
son  will  always  prefer  a  Mason.  Not  that  he  is  required  to 
prefer  one  to  his  own  serious  detriment,  or  to  the  still  more 
endearing  claims  of  wife  and  children  and  kindred.  Masonry 
encourages  no  neglect  of  the  laws  of  natural  and  social  affec- 
tion ;  it  rather  insists  upon  their  faithful  observance  ;  but  it 
regards  every  Mason  as  a  brother,  to  be  honored  and  aided 
and  served  and  loved,  as  opportunities  may  be  afforded. 

Like  all  other  good  principles,  these  may  be  neglected,  dis- 
regai'ded ;  but  1  am  speaking  not  of  exceptional  facts,  but  of 
what  Masonry,  in  its  essential  spirit,  requires. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  83 

n.   Templar  Laics  require  of  Kniglds  suhmlssion  to  rir/Jiffid 
aulhoriti/. 

It  recognizes  none  of  those  wild  doctrines  in  abuse  of  liberty 
which  induce  a  man  to  set  himself  up  as  his  own  lord  and 
lawgiver.  It  demands,  and  so  far  as  its  influence  extends 
cherishes,  obedience  to  established  laws,  a  cheerful  yielding  to 
authority,  a  merging  of  self  into  society.  Governed  by  re- 
publican usages,  adopted  before  political  republicanism  was 
known,  it  gives  its  disciples  a  voice  in  the  house  of  their  own 
rulers ;  yet  when  chosen,  it  insists  upon  submission  and  docility, 
prompt  and  unmurmuring  obedience.  No  man  too  wise  or 
headstrong  to  submit  cheerfully  to  the  decisions  and  decrees 
of  constituted  authorities,  to  manifest  a  tractable  spirit,  and  to 
render  unhesitating  obedience  to  official  mandates,  within  pre- 
scribed laws,  need  seek  for  Masonic  association.  He  must 
learn  to  yield  implicitly  to  the  will  of  the  majority  in  all  mat- 
ters not  pertaining  to  the  landmarks,  usages,  and  statutes  of 
the  Order;  and  even  in  regard  to  these,  he  must  submit  un- 
murmm'ingly  to  the  decision  of  those  who  are  authorized  to 
decide.  The  "  order  that  is  Heaven's  first  law,"  finds  some  of 
its  most  beautiful  illustrations  in  the  intercourse  of  Masons. 

And  in  these  days  of  demagogism  and  insubordination, 
when  men  so  often  refuse  to  recognize  any  other  law  than 
their  own  wild  passions,  when  turbulent  selfishness  so  often 
overrides  law,  how  useful  a  lesson  is  this  to  learn !  The  man 
who  practically  learns,  no  matter  where,  that  he  belongs  not  to 
himself,  but  to  God  and  society,  —  that  his  own  selfish  inter- 
ests are  to  yield  to  the  general  good,  —  that  his  own  perverse 
will  is  to  bend  Ijcfore  authority  and  law,  —  will  have  learned 
a  lesson  that  will  make  him  a  better  and  more  useful  citizen, 
a  more  contented  and  happier  man.  If  he  learn  them  no- 
where else,  Masonry  will  teach  him  these  lessons,  in  such  form 
that  he  will  not  be  likely  to  forget  them.  And  if  tlie  princi- 
f)les  thus  gained  within  the  Order  be  transferred  to  the  outer 
daily  life,  he  can  scarcely  fail  to  become  a  wiser,  better,  and 
more  useful  man.  Masonry,  though  it  introduced  the  best 
elements  of  republicanism  in  an  age  of  despotism,  and  thus 


84  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

inaugurated  a  radical  protest  against  irresponsible  authority, 
is  still  eminently  conservative  in  all  its  principles,  with  no  lean- 
ings toward  a  rampant  and  turbulent  republicanism,  whether 
red  or  black.  It  holds  a  check  rein  and  a  curb  bit  upon 
fanaticism  and  demagogism  in  all  shapes. 

m.  Still  again  :  Templar  Laws  require  of  Knights  the  exercise 
of  a  benevolent  charity. 

This  is  the  grand  external  characteristic  of  the  Order.  It  is 
that  outward  manifestation  by  which  more  than  by  any  other 
it  is  known  to  the  world.  No  man  can  be  a  worthy  or  con- 
sistent Mason  or  Templar,  without  the  exercise  of  practical 
benevolence.  There  are  certain  charitable  objects  to  which 
he  must  give  when  called  upon.  Ay,  even  though  it  require 
a  second  and  a  third  scrutiny  of  his  purse  or  pockets,  when  he 
might  have  thought  they  were  already  empty.  lie  must 
search  honestly  and  faithfully,  or  some  keener  eye  than  his 
own  will  detect  the  concealed  coin  which  he  withholds.  AMien 
in  circumstances  of  depression  and  want,  uncaused  by  crime 
or  vice,  the  Mason  has  a  claim  upon  his  brethren  for  encour- 
agement and  aid,  which  he  knows  will  be  met.  So  far  as  may 
consistently  be,  his  necessities  will  be  supplied,  and  his  efforts 
to  retrieve  his  embarrassed  fortunes  be  encouraged  and  assisted. 
And  even  if  the  undue  indulgence  of  evil  passions  and  appe- 
tites have  procured  infirmity  or  poverty,  it  is  made  the  duty  of 
his  brothers  to  warn  and  remonstrate,  to  seek  to  reclaim,  to 
reinspLre  him  with  a  consciousness  of  his  manhood,  and  to 
smile  upon  every  step  taken  in  the  path  of  reformation  and 
virtue.  The  application  of  the  widow  or  orphan  children  of  a 
deceased  brother  for  aid,  cannot  be  repulsed  or  frowned  away. 
A  generous  response  must  be  made.  Often  has  the  steward 
of  Masonic  charities  had  happy  reason  to  magnify  and  exult 
in  his  blessed  office,  after  the  manner  of  the  Patriarch  Job  : 
"  When  the  ear  heard  me,  then  it  blessed  me ;  and  when  the 
eye  saw  me,  it  gave  witness  to  me :  because  I  delivered  the 
poor  that  cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and  him  that  had  none  to 
help  him.  The  blessing  of  him  that  was  ready  to  perish  came 
upon  me ;  and  I  caused  the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy."  By 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  85 

the  fundamental  laws  of  the  Order,  each  one  of  us  is  required 
"  to  afford  succor  to  the  distressed,  to  di\'ide  our  bread  with 
the  industrious  poor,  and  to  put  the  misguided  traveller  into 
the  right  way.  These  are  duties  of  the  craft  suitable  to  its  dig- 
nity and  usefulness.  And  though  a  Mason  is  never  to  shut  his 
ear  imkindly  against  the  complaints  of  any  of  the  human  race, 
yet  when  a  brother  is  oppressed  or  suffers,  he  is  in  a  more 
peculiar  manner  called  upon  to  open  his  whole  soul  in  love 
and  compassion  to  him,  and  to  relieve  him  without  prejudice, 
according  to  his  capacity."  The  Mason's  benevolence  and  fra- 
ternal compassion  are  required  to  have  a  quick  ear  and  a 
keen  eye,  to  apprehend  the  cry  of  the  sufferer,  though  his  form 
may  be  invisible,  or  to  detect  a  mute  appeal,  though  the  native 
language  of  the  applicant  may  be  unknown.  Masonry  has  a 
language  of  benevolence,  which  is  peculiarly  its  own  ;  methods 
of  reveaHng  and  relieving  distress  with  which  the  stranger 
'intermeddleth  not. 

IV.  The  fundamental  laws  of  the  Temple  also  require  of 
Knights  a  firm  belief  in  the  existence,  sovereignty,  and  providence 
of  God. 

A  Mason  cannot  be  an  Atheist.  The  connection  of  one 
with  the  Masonic  fraternity  who  denies  the  existence  of  a 
supreme,  ovei-ruling  God,  would  be  a  mockery  and  an  absurd- 
it)-,  equalled  only  by  such  a  one  applying  for  admission  into 
a  Christian  church  or  a  Hebrew  synagogue.  The  very  fact  of 
his  union  with  the  fraternity  involves,  necessarily,  the  assent 
of  his  faith  to  this  as  a  fundamental  principle.  If  he  deny  his 
belief  and  trust  in  God,  he  cannot  walk  one  step  in  harmony 
or  sympathy  with  his  brethren  of  the  craft.  All  Masonic  rites 
and  duties,  as  an  entire  system,  and  in  all  their  details,  involve 
and  demand  this  belief  as  fundamental  and  essential.  With- 
out it,  Masonry  has  no  meaning,  no  beauty,  no  power.  It  is 
foundation,  corner-stone,  and  key-.stone  of  the  edifice.  Re- 
move it,  and  the  structure  has  neither  foundation,  corner- 
stone, nor  key-stone,  and  what  sort  of  building  would  you  have 
without  either  ?  Nothing  but  a  mass  of  chaotic  fragments  ! 
This  faith  is  the  cement,  too,  which  binds  the  stones  of  the 


86  PILGRIMAGE   TO   MRGINIA 

building  together  into  the  solid  wall.  We  have,  MasonicaUy, 
no  warrant  for  a  Mason's  faith  toward  his  brother,  no  reason  for 
believing  him  true  or  honest,  no  hold  upon  his  affections,  no 
guaranty  for  his  faithfulness  in  any  Masonic  relation,  unless 
he  have  faith  in  God.  It  is  the  essential  warp  of  the  Masonic 
garment,  without  which  the  woof  is  only  a  mass  of  separated, 
tangled  threads. 

Do  you  think  I  put  this  view  forward  too  strongly  ?  Every 
Mason  knows  that  human  language,  in  the  employment  of  its 
most  vigorous  terms,  cannot  be  too  strong  to  convey  the  full 
force  of  this  idea  ;  —  from  the  very  moment  when  he  sets  his 
foot  within  the  guarded  precincts,  through  every  stage  and  step 
of  his  progress,  he  is  required  to  assent  to  it,  to  profess  it,  to 
defend  it.  There  can  scarcely  be  conceived  a  grosser  incon- 
gruity, a  more  ridiculous  mocker}',  than  that  of  a  man  who 
doubts  the  existence  or  sovereignty  of  God  being  associated 
with  the  Masonic  fraternity,  claiming  its  privileges,  observing 
its  ceremonies,  or  performing  its  duties. 

Now,  is  there  anything  in  the  belief  of  an  oven-uling,  ever- 
present  God,  an  all-seeing  Eye,  scrutinizing  every  emotion  of 
the  heart  and  every  step  of  the  life,  fitted  to  restrain  men 
from  wrong,  and  to  prompt  to  what  is  right  and  pure  ?  Is  not 
such  a  belief,  firmly  and  frequently  repeated,  adapted  to  make 
men  better  in  all  the  relations  of  life  ?  We  admit,  and  we 
admit  it  sadly,  that  in  the  humiliating  depravity  of  man's 
nature,  even  such  a  belief  does  not  always  have  that  practical 
influence  over  the  life  and  heart  which  a  theoretical  philos- 
ophy might  suppose  ;  but  still,  that  it  has  a  mighty  influence 
none  can  doubt.  So  far  then,  in  all  good  conscience,  we  can 
speak  in  praise  of  ^Masonry.  It  demands  the  assent  of  the  soul 
to  the  doctrine  that  a  God,  ever  present,  ever  watchful,  ever 
ruling,  reigns  over  this  world. 

V.  But  still  further :  Templar  Laws  recpiu-e  of  Knights  an 
acknowledgment  of  the  d'winity  and  authority  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. 

The  Holy  Bible  lies  open  in  every  Masonic  Lodge.  It  is  its 
brightest  light.     The  square  and  compass  are  not  more  neces- 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  87 

sary  to  a  IMason's  work  than  tlie  Word  of  God.  Xo  man  can 
give  Masonically  an  honest  pledge  of  fidelity,  integiity,  and 
devotion,  without  a  belief  in  the  divine  authority  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  Without  this  belief  there  is  no  binding  force  in 
his  promises  and  obligations.  Ambitious  heresiarchs  may  war 
against  the  use  of  the  Bible  elsewhere,  but  from  the  fraternity 
of  Masons  they  can  never  anathematize  it.  Take  this  from 
us,  and  our  greatest  light  would  be  extinguished.  Darkness 
and  confusion  would  disband  the  Order.  We  cannot  take  one 
step  without  it.  We  can  scarcely  utter  a  Masonic  sentence 
without  the  eniplo\-ment  of  its  sublime  language.  Take  away 
the  Bible,  and  the  lessons  it  teaches  and  the  principles  it  incul- 
cates, and  it  would  be  like  digging  out  the  cementing  mortar 
from  the  walls  of  a  stately  edifice.  The  whole  building  would 
tumble  into  ruins  before  the  first  blast.  There  may  be  con- 
ceptions of  impossibilities.  To  conceive  of  daylight  without  a 
sun,  however,  is  perceived  to  be  clearly  an  impossibility.  Life 
without  air  is  an  impossibility.  It  is  equally  impossible  to  con- 
ceive of  Masonry  without  the  Bible.  It  could  not  exist.  Its 
landmarks  would  be  all  gone  ;  its  principles,  its  ceremonial,  its 
entire  meaning,  would  be  obliterated.  It  would  be  "  the  play 
of  Hamlet  without  the  part  of  Hamlet,"  with  a  vengeance. 

The  use  of  the  Bible  in  Masonry  is  not  a  contingency,  not 
an  accident,  —  not  an  incidental  expedient  tacked  on  to  gain 
reverence,  to  inspire  solemnity,  or  to  fill  out  its  ritual ;  it  is  so 
interwoven  with  it,  so  ingrained  in  it,  that  to  remove  it  would 
be  like  taking  the  flax  out  of  linen,  the  wool  out  of  cloth,  or  the 
carbon  out  of  coal,  —  the  residue  would  be  vanity  and  chaos. 
The  Mason  who  does  not  believe  the  Bible  —  if  we  can  con- 
ceive of  such  a  one  —  can  find  no  beauty  nor  meaning  in 
Masonry.  To  such  a  one  it  would  seem  the  flattest,  most  un- 
meaning and  absurd  of  organizations. 

Do  you  imagine  that  I  present  this  view  too  strongly  ?  I  say 
to  you  again,  that  language  too  forceful  cannot  be  employed 
in  conveying  this  essential  truth. 

Now,  is  there  anything  good  in  this  principle  ?  Is  it  of  any 
value  to  have  a  divine  and  perfect  rule  of  life,  —  to  recognize 


88  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \1RGINIA 

a  supreme  and  perfect  law  of  Iiuman  conduct  ?  Is  it  of  any 
practical  importance  to  adopt  a  belief  in  this  as  admitted  truth, 
and  to  have  it  impressed  upon  the  soul  as  controlling,  guiding 
truth  ?  All  that  is  of  practical  ■worth  in  the  adoption  and  de- 
fence of  such  a  principle  we  claim  for  Masonry. 

VI.  Beyond  all  this,  which  is  common  to  all  degrees  of 
Masonry,  the  essential  principles  of  the  Temple  require  the 

BELIEF  AND  CONFESSION  OF  THE  SUPREME  DIVINITY  AND 
SOVEREIGNTY  OF  THE  LORD   AND   SaVIOUR,  JeSUS  ChRIST. 

The  defence  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  of  this  essential 
feature  of  it,  is  a  part  of  every  knightly  vow.  It  affirms  that 
the  sins  of  the  world  were  laid  upon  the  head  of  the  Saviour, 
and  that  there  is  no  hope  of  salvation  but  through  his  sacri- 
ficial atonement  and  death.  The  world  may  see  the  cross  on 
every  banner  and  banneret  that  is  displayed  beyond  the  en- 
campment, upon  the  sword-hilt  of  every  Knight,  and  embroid- 
ered upon  his  regalia.  The  grand  old  motto,  "  In  hoc  signo 
vinces"  is  the  public  proclamation  of  the  faith  of  the  Order 
to  the  world.  Every  true-hearted  Christian  Templar  announ- 
ces this  faith  in  the  divinity  and  sovereignty  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  in  terms  as  unequivocal  and  emphatic  as  did  St. 
Thomas,  when,  cured  of  his  criminal  incredulity  by  the  expos- 
ure of  the  wounds  of  the  Lord,  his  assured  faith  exclaimed, 
"  My  Lord  and  my  God  ! " 

Can  truths  so  solemn  and  divine  as  these  be  professed  and 
taught,  without  exerting  a  salutary  practical  influence  upon 
the  lives  of  men  ?  Can  there  be  any  encouragement  to  im- 
morality or  vice  in  principles  and  teachings  like  these  ?  Tlie 
Order  of  Knights  Templars  is,  in  its  whole  theory  and  regula- 
tions, emphatically  a  Clmstian  Order,  clearly  tracing  its  origin 
to  the  pious  enthusiasm  of  the  Crusaders,  in  their  somewhat 
fanatical,  but  certainly  devout,  contests  to  wrest  the  Sepul- 
chre of  the  Lord  from  the  possession  of  infidels. 

But  perhaps  an  objector  is  ready  to  ask  me  :  Do  Masons 
uniformly  and  practically,  in  all  their  relations  in  life,  take  the 
Bible  as  their  guide,  and  follow  out  its  precepts  in  their  prac- 
tice ?     Do  Templars  practically  take  Christ  as  Lord  ?     Alcis  ! 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  89 

no.  But  I  am  speaking  of  what  these  orders  in  their  essential 
principles  demand,  not  of  what  in  practical  life  they  always 
receive.  Principles  and  precepts  of  acknowledged  excellence 
and  obligation,  through  the  depravity  of  our  nature,  often  fail 
to  govern  and  control  even  those  who  admit  their  authority 
and  beauty  and  force.  But  we  are  always  taught  to  distin- 
guish between  the  principles  upon  which  an  organization  is 
based  and  the  practice  of  those  principles  in  life.  If  men  do 
not  carry  out  these  great  ideas  in  the  daily  conduct,  the  fault 
is  not  In  the  Institution  that  requires  them,  but  In  the  hearts  of 
those  who  practically  repudiate  them.  There  may  be  bad  men 
who  are  Masons,  but  Masonry  never  taught  them  one  bad  les- 
son, never  instilled  one  evil  precept.  It  is  not  in  consequence 
of  ]\Iasonry  —  but  rather  in  spite  of  It,  in  positive  disregard  of 
Its  requirements  —  that  any  pursue  an  evil  course  In  life. 

Tliese  are  some  of  the  sentiments  which  Masonry  cherishes, 
and  some  of  the  duties  which  Its  fundamental  laws  require. 
Are  they  not  worthy,  inherently  right,  and  in  their  influence 
beneficent  ?  "What  fault  can  be  found  with  these  ?  Acting  in 
accordance  with  such  principles,  shall  we  not  be  deemed 
worthy  of  confidence,  and  as  extending  a  salutary  Influence 
upon  society  V 

It  Is  sometimes  Intimated  that  the  Order  of  ISIasonry,  by  the 
conduct  of  some  weak  and  injudicious  brethren,  is  exalted 
above  the  Church  of  tlie  living  God.  It  is  sought  to  be  made 
to  appear,  that  the  one  institution  is  antagonistic  to  the  other, 
—  that  the  duties  recjuired  by  the  Church  are  neglected  by 
enthusiastic  Masons,  and  that  one  cannot  be  an  active  and 
efficient  member  of  both  organizations.  It  may  be  that  there 
are  instances  of  such  inconsistency,  which  are  Injurious  alike 
to  ]\Iasonry  and  to  religion.  But  I  emphatically  deny  that 
Masonry,  by  a  single  precept,  warrants  or  encourages  a  dis- 
regard of  Christian  duties,  or  excuses  a  neglect  of  any  ecclesi- 
astical obligations.  Tlie  worthy  and  intelligent  Mason  has  no 
disposition  to  exalt  the  Lodge,  the  Chapter,  or  the  Encamp- 
ment above  the  Church,  or  to  bring  the  one  into  collision  with 
the  other.     We  chcoi-fully  admit  that  the  Cluirch  of  God  is 


90  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

the  first  and  highest  and  most  important  of  all  institutions  in 
this  world  of  ours.  To  its  divinely  authorized  organization 
and  laws,  Masonry  ui-ges  no  claims.  Divinity  is  not  claimed 
for  Masonry.  It  is  a  human  institution.  But,  among  human 
institutions,  we  do  claim  that  this  is  most  venerable  and  reputa- 
ble for  its  antiquity,  its  dignity,  the  purity  of  its  requirements, 
its  unostentatious  beneficence,  its  endearing  fraternal  ties,  and 
for  the  multitudes  of  the  best  men  of  earth  who  have  bowed 
humbly  at  its  altar.  While  we  admit  that  we  could  not  exist 
as  an  organized  fraternity  without  the  religion  of  the  Bible,  we 
cheerfully  acknowledge  that  the  religion  of  the  Bible  may  be 
propagated,  enforced,  and  practised  without  us.  But  those 
who  imagine  that  there  is  any  antagonism  of  the  one  to  the 
other  in  precepts,  sjoh-it,  or  duties,  know  nothing  of  the  essen- 
tial genius  or  fundamental  principles  of  Masonry. 

Brothers,  Companions,  Knights,  — We  greet  you  in  fraternal 
affection.  We  are  happy  to  mingle  in  the  festivities  of  this 
auspicious  day.  I  have  endeavored  honestly  and  frankly  to 
evoke  the  prominent  principles  which  we  are  bound  together 
to  cherish  and  illustrate.  You  know  their  truth.  Let  me 
urge  you,  for  the  good  of  the  crafl,  and  for  the  benefit  of 
humanity,  to  cultivate  and  exemplify  these  principles.  So 
shall  we  preserve  the  lustre  of  our  jewels  untarnished,  so  shall 
we  evince  that  we  know  the  practical  moral  uses  of  the  square, 
the  plumb,  the  level,  the  gauge,  and  the  trowel.  So  shall  wis- 
dom, strength,  and  beauty,  like  columns  fimi  and  perpendicu- 
lar, sustain  the  symmetry  of  our  ancient  arch  ;  wisdom  dissemi- 
nating light,  strength  illustrating  the  force  of  reason  and  logic, 
and  beauty  displaying  the  loveliness  of  virtue. 

May  the  will  of  the  Sujireme  Master  and  Commander  con- 
trol us  through  life,  and  his  grace  accord  us  a  blessed  and 
eternal  union  in  Heaven,  tlirough  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

The  introductory  portion  of  this  address  was  received 
with  frequent  and  most  enthusiastic  applause,  its  allu- 
sions to  the  visit  of  the  Richmond  Commaudery  to  Boston 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  91 

being  keenly  relished  by  the  New  England  Templars. 
The  main  argument  of  the  discourse  enchained  the  atten- 
tion of  the  audience  throughout  its  delivery. 

The  Providence  Band  performed  a  capital  piece  of 
music,  and  the  audience  were  dismissed  with  a  benedic- 
tion by  Rev.  F.  J.  Boggs. 

It  had  been  intended  that  the  pageant  of  the  marching 
Templars  should  be  displayed  through  the  western  por- 
tion of  the  city ;  but  that  part  of  the  programme  was  dis- 
pensed with  on  account  of  a  shower  of  rain,  and  the  col- 
umn moved  directly  to  the  Mechanics'  Institute,  on  Ninth 
Street,  which  place  was  reached  a  little  after  four  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon. 

The  lower  hall  of  the  Institute  had  been  converted  into 
a  refreshment-room,  gayly  decorated  with  flowers  and 
bunting,  and  pi'ovided  with  the  amplest  facilities  for  eat- 
ing and  drinking.  Two  hours  were  spent  here  by  the 
Sir  Knights  in  unrestrained  social  intercourse.  The 
three  bands  of  musicians,  from  Boston,  Providence,  and 
Richmond,  about  sixty  in  all,  mingled  together  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  hall,  and  played  several  pieces  together, 
while  the  company  marched  or  danced,  according  to  the 
character  of  the  music. 

During  the  progress  of  this  fraternal  feast,  Commander 
Parkman  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  exhibited  to  his 
command,  and  all  others  present,  the  Gavel  formerly 
used  by  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Virginia,  when  he  presided  over  that  ancient  Lodge. 
This  precious  relic,  which  is  now  the  property  of  Ran- 
dolph Lodge,  No.  19,  of  Richmond,  was  regarded  with  a 
feeling  akin  to  veneration  by  the  brethren  of  the  mystic 
tie. 

"When  this,  the  second  festival  of  the  day  was  over,  the 


92  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

Sir  Knights  marched  to  the  Exchange  Hotel  to  prepare 
for  a  third,  —  the  Grand  Family  Banquet,  —  which  took 
place  in  the  evening.  The  musicians  and  Templars,  on 
leaving  the  hall,  formed  promiscuously,  —  Boston,  Provi- 
dence, and  Richmond  being  mingled  and  distributed  in 
equal  proportions,  as  nearly  as  possible.  In  this  way  they 
marched,  to  the  tunes  of  "  Yankee  Doodle  "  and  "  Carry 
me  back  to  Old  Virginia,"  to  their  quarters,  in  the  hap- 
piest frame  of  mind  it  is  possible  to  conceive,  and  in  due 
time  put  themselves  in  readiness  for  the  pleasures  and 
festivities  of  the  evening. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  93 


CHAPTER     A^II. 

COMPLUIESTAEY  BaXQUET  AT  THE  EXCHANGE  HoTEL  AND  BaL- 

LAED  House,  Richmond,  Virginia,  to  the  De  Molay  Enca^ip- 
MENT,  Boston,  and  the  St.  John's  Encampment,  Pp>ovidence. 
Given  by  the  Richmond  Commandeey  of  Knights  Templaes, 
No.  2,  Richmond,  Vieginia,  Tuesday,  JLvy  17,  1859. 

The  pilgrim  Templars,  after  the  liiglily  interesting 
reception  ceremonies  at  the  Mechanics'  Institute,  the 
collation  at  Masonic  Hall,  the  oration  at  the  First 
Baptist  Church,  and  a  second  collation  at  the  Institute, 
were  dismissed,  about  half  past  six  o'clock,  and  were 
allowed  a  short  season  of  rest  from  the  hospitalities  of 
their  Virginia  friends,  which  had  assailed  them  inces- 
santly and  at  every  point  during  the  entire  day.  But 
their  respite  was  a  short  one,  for  they  were  assembled, 
soon  after  eight  o'clock,  in  the  large  hall  of  the  Ballard 
House,  to  await  the  summons  to  the  banquet  which  was 
to  be  the  culmination  of  Tuesday's  festivities. 

Some  time  was  spent  in  conversation,  and  a  free  inter- 
change of  the  kindly  sentiments  generated  by  the  inter- 
course of  the  Sir  Knights  during  the  day.  At  a  quarter 
before  nine  o'clock,  the  signal  was  given  to  proceed  to 
the  lianqueting-hall,  in  the  Exchange  Hotel.  Each  of 
the  Richmond  Templars  secured  a  guest  by  the  arm, 
when  they  marched  across  the  bridge  which  connects  the 
hotels,  the  band  playing  "  Fisher's  Hornpipe,"  and  en- 


94  riLGRIMAGE   TO   MEGIMA 

tered  the  grand  saloon,  where  the  feast  was  spread. 
Here  a  blaze  of  light  and  beauty  almost  dazzled  the  eye. 
The  tables  groaned  —  if  ever  table  groaned  —  beneath 
the  luxuries  they  bore.  And  well  might  they  bear 
bravely  such  a  load,  even  though  groaning  Avithal,  for  the 
choice  viands  were  set  off  and  ornamented  in  the  richest 
and  most  beautiful  manner.  There  were  grottos,  tem- 
ples, pyramids,  castles,  and  pagodas  in  confectionery, 
of  beautiful  colors,  glowing  Avith  internal  lights.  There 
was  an  immense  silver  epergne,  mounted  on  a  silver 
plateau,  filled  with  the  finest  artificial  flowers  that  the 
floral  artist  could  devise.  Tliere  Avere  twelve  magnificent 
vases  with  French  bouquets  of  fruits  and  flowers,  and 
many  smaller  vases  filled  with  roses.  There  were  numer- 
ous silver  candelabra,  containing  wax  candles  of  varie- 
gated colors,  whose  light  was  made  to  contribute  to  the 
illumination  of  the  saloon,  ah-eady  brilliantly  lighted  by 
the  gas  chandeliers.  The  chandeliers  bore  clusters  and 
festoons  of  bright  and  delicate  flowers,  and,  to  add  to  the 
enchantment  of  the  scene,  the  piazza  on  the  east  of  the 
banqueting-room  was  filled  with  the  fairest  ladies  of  Rich- 
mond, accompanied  by  the  New  England  ladies,  who 
enjoyed  the  sight  of  the  pleasant  spectacle  within  through 
the  open  windows. 

When  the  guests  were  seated,  and  the  Divine  blessing 
had  been  invoked  by  Sir  Kniglit  Eev.  F.  J.  Boggs,  the 
attention  of  the  company  was  directed  to  the  substantial 
viands  and  delicacies  spread  before  them  in  great  variety 
and  profusion. 

The  destruction  of  the  things  eatable  was  accompanied 
by  the  popping  of  Champagne,  of  choice  brands,  like  mus- 
ketry along  the  lines,  and  nothing  that  could  give  zt'st  to 
the  entertainment  was  wantin"-. 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  95 

"When,  as  Homer  hath  it,  the  rage  of  hunger  and  thirst 
had  been  appeased,  Sir  Knight  John  Dove,  M.  D.,  Past 
Commander  of  Richmond  Commandery,  No.  2,  after  a 
few  introductory  remarks,  called  for  the  reading  of  the 
first  regular  toast. 

Sir  Knight  J.  R.  Crenshaw,  toast-master  of  the  even- 
ing, then  read  the  first  toast,  as  follows :  — 

1.  Our  Guests:  The  Sir  Knights  of  De  ]Molay  and  St. 
John's  Encampments,  — 

"  The  friends  we  have,  and  their  adoption  tried, 
We  grapple  to  our  soul  with  hooks  of  steel." 

Sir  Knight  Winslow  Lewis  responded,  as  follows :  — 

I  am  not  a  member  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  except  in 
an  honorary  cajjacity ;  but  having  received  an  invitation  to 
accompany  them  on  their  pilgrimage,  I  accepted  it  thank- 
fully. But  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  cast  a  gloom  over 
the  assembly  by  the  recital  of  the  misfortunes  which  have 
befallen  me  since  our  trip  commenced.  I  had  heard  of 
Southern  hospitality,  of  Virginia-  hospitahty,  and  therefore 
set  out  on  this  expedition  with  fear  and  trembling.  In  the 
first  place  we  sustained  a  welcome  at  Washington,  and  on 
reaching  the  shores  of  Virginia  we  were  met  by  a  man  of 
honeyed  phrase,  of  oily  tongue,  a  good  and  a  Wise  man,  who 
kindly  hinted  something  of  the  trials  we  were  to  expect. 
"Wlien  we  reached  Fredericksburg,  we  encountered  the  hos- 
pitahty of  that  city,  and  heard  there  was  something  more  at 
Richmond.  In  the  cars  all  along  the  route  after  entering 
Virginia  we  were  assailed  Avith  good  things,  and  since  our 
arrival  there  has  been  no  cessation  in  this  warfare.  When  we 
arrived  here,  we  were  taken  into  a  large  building  and  cor- 
dially welcomed.  The  same  evening  we  were  taken  to  the 
Theatre,  and  there  from  an  ambush  the  ladies  showered  us 
with  bouquets.  To-day  we  have  been  again  welcomed,  and 
have  done  more  in  response  to  the  kindness  of  our  friends  than 


96  PILGEIMAGE  TO  \lRGIJsIA 

I  had  believed  men  could  do.  I  ask  eacli  one  of  my  friends 
from  New  England  to  lay  his  hand,  not  upon  his  heart  exactly, 
but  a  little  below  it,  and  say  what  his  feelings  are.  Even 
the  clergyman  to  whose  eloquence  we  have  listened  to-day 
had  warned  them  of  the  severe  treatment  they  were  to  receive. 
For  my  own  part,  if  I  should  die  in  this  good  cause,  I  would 
beg  somebody  to  write  above  my  grave  this  epitaph,  —  "  Here 
lies  a  man  who  died  of  good  living." 

Sir  Knight  Lewis  added  some  pertinent  remarks  upon 
the  principles  and  objects  of  the  Order,  and  concluded 
with  the  following  sentiment :  — 

The  Old  Dominion  and  the  Old  Bay  State,  —  May  the  glori- 
ous memory  of  the  Union  of  our  fathers  be  ever  enshi-ined  in 
the  hearts  of  their  sons. 

The  speech  of  Doctor  Lewis  was  received  in  the  best 
humor  possible,  and  was  much  applauded  during  its  de- 
livery. 

At  its  close,  the  band  favored  the  company  with 
appropriate  music,  and  the  next  regular  toast  was  intro- 
duced :  — 

2.    The  Masonic  Fraternity :  — 

"  May  Freedom,  Harmony,  and  Love 
Cement  us  in  the  grand  design, 
Beneath  the  Omniscient  Eye  above, 
The  glorious  Architect  Divine." 

Sir  Knight  Dove  of  Richmond  responded  to  this. 
Commencing  with  some  allusions  to  his  profession,  that 
of  a  physician,  he  proceeded  to  read  a  very  instructive 
dissertation  upon  the  Order  of  Masonry.  He  gave  at  the 
conclusion  of  his  address  this  sentiment :  — 

Tlie  memory  of  Robert  Burns,  the  bard  of  Scotia,  whose 
poetic  genius  has  rendered  immortal  the  genius  of  Masonry. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  97 

The  third  regular  toast  was  then  prefaced  with  some 
eloquent  remarks  by  the  toast-master :  — 

3.   Tlie  Union  of  the  States,  and  the  States  of  the  Union  : 
"  Distinct  as  the  billows,  —  one  as  the  sea." 

The  three  bands  of  music,  united,  played  the  air  of  the 
"  Star-spangled  Banner,"  and  Sir  Knight  Wra.  H.  Mac- 
farland,  President  of  the  Farmers'  Bank,  Richmond,  was 
called  on  to  respond.     He  said :  — 

This  Union  is  the  last  and  crowning  work  of  the  men  of  a 
heroic  age,  and  sad  will  be  the  day  —  sadly  will  the  patri- 
otism of  Americans  be  depreciated  —  when  they  seek  to  sever 
the  cords  that  hold  the  Union  together.  Can  any  toast  to 
the  Union  be  received  without  applause  ?  Unhappy  will  be 
the  circumstances  when  this  toast  fails  to  elicit  the  hearty 
response  of  heroic  hearts. 

We  have  on  this  occasion  a  witness  and  an  instance  of  the 
beneficence  of  our  Union.  Not  that  strangers  are  here 
receiving  hospitaUty,  for  that  might  be  expected  from  any 
civihzed  people  ;  but  we  have,  from  a  distant  capital,  strangers 
of  yesterday,  but  friends  of  to-day,  —  knowing  and  feeUng 
that,  although  we  are  from  different  States,  one  and  all  have 
the  same  privileges,  the  same  hopes  and  aims.  There  is  not 
a  sentiment  which  commands  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
the  people  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  that  does  not 
command  respect  in  Virginia.  The  citizen  of  Massachusetts, 
or  Rhode  Island,  or  Virginia,  may  walk  abroad  in  any  other 
State  of  the  Union,  and  enjoy  the  same  privileges  in  any  of 
them,  and  feel  that  he  is  among  a  band  of  brothers.  And  is 
the  duration  of  this  glorious  Union  to  be  counted  by  centuries, 
even  ?  Never !  never  !  Every  sentiment  of  the  past  forbids 
it.  Let  the  Union  be  preserved  by  the  same  harmonious  feel- 
ing, among  the  citizens  of  different  States,  that  distinguished 
its  founders.  And  I  believe  that  its  permanency  would  de- 
pend in  no  small  degree  upon  the  principles  inculcated  and 
practised  by  the  Masonic  fraternity. 
7 


98  PILGRIMAGE  TO  ^^RGINIA  . 

He  gave  in  conclusion  :  — 

"  The  union  between  Virginia,  Massachusetts,  and  Ehode 
Island,  so  happUy  begun,  —  may  it  never  cease." 

This  sentiment  was  loudly  cheered,  and  drunk  stand- 
ing, the  Armory  Band  playing  "  Hail  Columbia." 
The  next  regular  toast  was  :  — 

4.  Massachusetts :  The  Old  Bay  State,  —  time-honored 
Massachusetts  ;  PljTnouth  Eock,  Faneuil  Hall,  Bunker  Hill. 

Brother  A.  0.  Brewster,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  responded,  in 
an  eloquent  and  effective  speech,  to  the  call  made  upon 
him:  — 

In  rising  to  thank  you  for  the  honor  thus  bestowed  upon 
me,  I  present  myself  gratefully  and  gladly  before  my  Vir- 
ginia friends,  the  Sir  Knights  of  Kichmond,  and  express  my 
most  profound  acknowledgments  for  the  kind  treatment  I 
have  received  at  your  hands.  I  am  grateful  and  glad  to 
stand  for  the  first  time  on  the  soil  of  old  Virginia,  and  enjoy 
Vu'ginia  hospitality.  For  several  months  I  have  looked  for- 
ward with  pleasure  to  this  visit.  This  is  the  proudest  day 
of  my  life,  and  I  thank  God  I  have  lived  to  see  it.  It  is 
one  of  those  occasions  which  a  man  will  always  remember,  and 
carry  the  recollection  to  his  grave. 

What  a  spectacle  is  here  presented  ?  Massachusetts,  Rhode 
Island,  and  Virginia,  meeting  as  our  forefathers  were  accus- 
tomed to  meet,  on  conunon  ground,  —  coming  together  and 
joining  hands  and  hearts.  They  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder, 
and  side  by  side  during  the  Kevolutionary  struggle,  and  this 
joining  of  their  descendants,  hand  to  hand  and  heart  to  heart, 
is  a  sure  guaranty  that  there  are  ties,  Masonic  and  patriotic, 
strong  enough  and  enduring  enough  to  hold  together,  in  spite 
of  fanaticism  or  treason,  and  in  spite  of  the  foes  of  freedom 
anj'where  and  everywhere,  these  United  States ! 

This  spot  calls  up  to  my  mind  the    glorious  events  in 


OF   THE  KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  99 

the  history  of  Yii-ginia,  a  State  I  have  always  revered. 
Sixteen  years  ago  I  desired  to  emigrate  to  Virginia,  but 
Providence  cast  my  lot  in  a  different  land.  But  I  often 
turn  back  to  the  sons  of  Virginia  during  the  Revolutionary 
period,  and  I  claim  them  as  my  own.  I  claim  "Washington 
and  ]Mount  Vernon,  and  Virginians  should  claim  Webster. 
In  calling  up  the  historical  names  of  Virginia,  New  England 
men  felt  proud  that  they  too  belonged  to  the  same  confed- 
eration of  States  to  whom  belonged  those  illusti'ious  men. 

I  desire  to  remind  you  of  one  scene  never  equalled  in 
ancient  or  modern  days.  It  was  in  the  second  Colonial  Con- 
vention, held  eighty-four  years  ago  in  ]\Iarch  last,  in  Rich- 
mond. Go  back  to  that  day,  and  witness  the  patriotism  and 
moral  heroism  of  that  scene !  There  was  Washington  and 
Jefferson,  and  on  the  right  was  Pendleton,  and  Vii-ginia's  best 
patriots  were  in  deliberation.  It  was  the  most  trying  period 
in  your  Colonial  history.  All  hearts  were  anxious,  all  felt  the 
tremendous  responsibility  resting  on  them  in  that  crisis.  Some 
were  undecided,  until  Patrick  Henry,  in  support  of  his  resolu- 
tion for  war,  thrilled  them  with  those  memorable  words  which 
have  been  learned  by  heart  by  every  school-boy  in  the  North. 
Patrick  Henry  was  on  fire  for  action.  He  was  eager  to  strike 
the  blow.  He  arose  in  that  house,  which  I  have  looked  upon 
to-day,  with  strong  emotion,  and  delivered  that  masterly 
speech,  which  has  made  his  name  immortal.  Demosthenes 
never  uttered  words  of  such  power  and  import  as  did  Henry 
when  he  exclaimed,  "  There  is  no  longer  any  room  for  hope  ! 
If  we  wish  to  be  fi-ee,  —  If  we  mean  to  preserve  inviolate  those 
inestimable  privileges  for  which  we  have  been  so  long  con- 
tending, —  if  we  mean  not  barely  to  abandon  the  noble  strug- 
gle in  which  we  have  been  so  long  engaged,  and  which  we 
have  pledged  ourselves  never  to  abandon  until  the  glorious 
object  of  our  contest  shall  be  obtained,  —  we  must    fight !     I 

repeat  it,  Sir,  we  must  Jigld  ! I  know  not  what  course 

others  may  take,  but  as  for  me,  (I'lve  me  Liberty^  or  give  me 
Death!" 

You  have  these  glorious  reminiscences  in  Virginia,  and  we 


100  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \nRGINIA 

have  ours  in  Massactusetts.  "  There  is  Lexington,  and  Con- 
cord, and  Bunker  Hill,  and  there  they  will  remain  for  ever." 
There  is  Faneuil  Hall  and  Plymo.uth  Rock,  and  there  are 
many  things  besides,  clustering  with  associations  of  those  who 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  Union.  And  Massachusetts  will 
stand  by  the  Union  to  the  last. 

Let  any  disunionist,  North  or  South,  attempt  to  tear  one 
star  from  our  nation's  flag,  and  there  shall  a  voice  come  up 
from  Massachusetts,  loud  and  long  and  deep,  proclaiming,  "We 
must  fight ! "  I  like  the  sentiment  enunciated  by  the  gentle- 
man who  has  just  spoken  to  us.  Heaven  forbid  that  this  Union 
should  ever  be  dissolved !  The  blood  that  flowed  at  Brandy- 
wine,  Saratoga,  and  King's  Mountain  forbid  it !  Shall  it  ever 
be  dissolved  ?  A  voice  from  Mount  Vernon,  from  Monticello, 
from  Ashland,  from  Marshfield,  says,  "  No ! "  That  precious 
blood  which  drenched  Lexington,  Concord,  and  Bunker  Hill 
says,  "  No ! "  The  j'oung  men  in  our  shops  and  fields  at  the 
North  say,  "  No  ! "  These  Masonic  ties  that  bind  our  hearts 
together  say,  "  No ! "  The  Past  says,  "  No  I "  The  Present 
says,  "No!"  The  Future,  with  all  its  hopes,  says,  "No!" 
And  the  people,  with  one  unbroken  front,  exclaim  ten  thou- 
sand times,  "NO  !" 

There  is  a  deep  moral  in  this  convocation.  It  teaches  us 
that  it  would  be  better  to  cultivate  more  those  relations  which 
should  exist  between  the  North  and  the  South.  It  has  had  its 
good  influences  upon  us.  I  doubt  not,  it  wiU  have  its  appro- 
priate influence  upon  you.  We  shall  go  back  and  tell  our 
children  what  we  have  seen,  and  teach  them  that  they  must 
have  no  North,  no  South,  in  their  love  of  country.  You  have 
happy  homes  enough,  and  to  spare.  You  have  all  the  ele- 
ments necessary  for  a  happy.  Christian  people,  and  I  entreat 
you  to  stand  by  the  Union  and  the  Constitution  that  holds  it 
together. 

As  for  usj  we  will  go  home  and  cherish  in  our  heart  of 
hearts  most  grateful  recollections  of  your  kindness  and  hos- 
pitality. We  shall  go  back  to  Boston  with  a  prouder  feeling 
of  admiration  for  Virginia,  —  for  her  public  and  private 
citizens. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAES.  101 

And  let  us  all  so  live  that,  wlien  we  are  laid  down  in  our 
last  resting-jilace,  men  may  read  upon  our  tombstones,  — 

"  Here  lies  one,  a  Templar  and  a  Master  Mason,  who  lived 
true  to  the  faith  of  his  fathers,  and,  under  the  principles  of 
Love,  Peace,  and  Good-Will  to  All,  loved  his  country,  and  his 
whole  country." 

Mr.  Brewster's  speech,  of  which  the  above  is  a  mere 
sketch,  was  warmly  applauded  at  various  points,  and  the 
Virginia  Templars  were  very  enthusiastic  in  praising  it. 

Fifth  regular  toast :  — 

5.  Rhode  Island:  Tlie  asylum  of  Eoger  Williams,  — the 
cradle  of  Nathanael  Greene. 

Sir  Knight  C.  B.  Farnsw^orth,  of  Providence,  made  a 
speecli  in  response  :  — 

He  was  proud  of  Rhode  Island,  which,  although  a  small 
State  has  produced  some  great  and  good  men.  He  stood 
upon  the  native  soil  of  Washington,  and  had  the  satisfaction 
that  Nathanael  Greene  of  Rhode  Island  was  second  only  to 
AVasliington  in  that  war  Avhich  rescued  our  country  from  for- 
eign domination  and  oppression. 

Roger  Williams  had  his  home  in  Rhode  Island.  He  lived 
when  lie  was  in  advance  of  his  age.  He  was  persecuted  for 
his  ideas  of  religious  freedom,  but  those  ideas  have  become  the 
common  property  of  the  civilized  world. 

Oliver  Hazard  Perry  was  a  son  of  Rhode  Island,  and  he 
had  shed  an  impoi-ishable  lustre  upon  our  naval  history.  He 
was  proud  to  feel  that  his  State  could  boast  of  some  names 
whose  heroism  made  them  brothers  of  Virginians.  He  was  glad 
too  of  that  other  tie  which  bound  citizens  of  the  two  States 
together,  and  when  on  that  day  he  sat  in  their  Lodge-room, 
in  the  chair  occupied  by  Chief  Justice  [Marshall  as  Grand 
blaster,  he  felt  a  new  interest  in  Virginia.  He  gave,  in  con- 
clusion :  — 


102  PILGRIMAGE   TO  \1EGIXIA 

The  Judiciary  of  the  United  States :  Though  composed  of 
men,  and  therefore  subject  to  human  infirmities,  yet  the  only 
bond  that  can  hold  all  the  people  of  all  the  States  fii-mly  to  the 
Constitution. 

Cheering  and  music  followed  Sir  Knight  Farnsworth's 
speech,  and  the  sixth  regular  toast  was  introduced :  — 

6.    Virginia : 

"  Breathes  there  a  man  vrith  soul  so  dead, 
Who  never  to  himself  hath  said. 
This  is  my  own,  my  native  land? " 

In  the  absence  of  Governor  Wise,  who  had  been  ex- 
pected to  respond  to  this  toast,  his  son,  0.  Jennings  Wise, 
Esq.,  was  called  upon  :  — 

He  said  that  he  was  so  unfortunate  as  not  to  belong  to 
the  Masonic  fraternit}-,  but  he  was  the  son  of  a  Grovernor  and 
a  jNIason's  daughter,  and  he  had  a  letter  in  his  pocket  which 
would,  when  read,  give  them  more  pleasure  than  any  speech 
he  could  make.  He  could  not  enter  into  the  Masonic  mys- 
teries, but  from  what  he  had  seen  that  night,  he  could  say  that 
Masons  eat  and  drink  as  though  then*  hearts  were  full  of 
humanity. 

Sergeant  S.  Prentiss,  in  his  first  plea  to  a  jury,  addressed 
them  as  "  Fellow-citizens."  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island 
have  repeated  the  same  sentiment  to-day.  We  are  copart- 
ners in  the  joint  sovereignty  of  a  mighty  nation,  embracing  in 
its  broad  extent,  at  the  same  season  of  the  year,  icicles  and 
orange-flowers.  And  wheresoever  I  plant  my  foot  within  its 
boundaries,  I  stand  upon  my  native  soil,  and  It  is  still  my  privi- 
lege to  say  the  same  words,  —  "  Fellow-citizens."  We  stand 
as  joint  sovereigns  in  this  great  confederation  of  States,  and  if 
it  Is  the  purpose  of  your  Order  to  contribute  to  the  jserma- 
nency  of  the  Union,  by  binding  its  citizens  together  In  a  frater- 
nal union,  every  man  who  loves  his  counti*}-  will  bid  you  God 
speed. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  103 

Mr.  Vt'ise,  after  a  few  eloquent  remarks,  proceeded  to 
read  the  following  letter  :  — 

rticlunond,  Va.,  May  15,  1859. 
To  Wm.  B.  Isaacs,  Esq.,/o/-  iJie  Committee,  etc. 

My  dear  Sir  and  Brother  :  —  Two  days  ago  I  regretted  to 
be  obliged  to  apprise  the  Committee  of  Invitation  that  I  could 
not  be  present  at  the  reception  of  the  Boston  and  Providence 
brethren.  I  had  thought  they  would  arrive  here  about  Wed- 
nesday of  the  past  week,  and  hastened  to  return  to  this  city 
from  a  visit  to  Norfolk  on  that  account,  and  long  before  had 
made  appointments  to  be  in  Washington  this  week  on  my  way 
to  Accomac.  These  appointments  I  cannot,  with  any  propriety 
or  convenience,  forego.  It  was  due  to  you  and  to  your  worthy 
guests  that  I  should  have  been  present  to  do  my  humble  part 
in  tendering  to  them  the  hospitalities  of  brotherhood  and  of 
our  homes,  —  to  which  they  are  so  deservedly  and  cordially 
welcome  ;  but  for  the  reasons  I  have  named,  I  cannot  be  with 
you  in  person,  though  I  leave  my  house  and  heart  and  this  letter 
behind  me,  to  aid  in  greeting  your  guests  with  my  warmest 
expression  of  welcome.  I  have  requested  my  son  to  represent 
me,  as  I  find  he  has  been  honored  by  tickets,  and  he  will  open 
the  Executive  mansion,  its  doors,  beds,  and  board,  at  your 
command. 

I  wish  I  had  time  and  space  to  respond  to  the  touching  senti- 
ment upon  which  you  proposed  to  call  me  out  at  the  banquet. 
It  has  in  it  all  the  life  and  spirit  of  the  fervor  of  patriotism. 
"My  own,  my  native  land"  is  —  my  country  —  my  whole 
country  —  my  blessed  and  best  beloved  country.  But  the  love 
of  country,  the  amor  patrice,  is  founded,  nationally  and  fer- 
vently, on  the  love  of  home,  the  amor  loci.  The  people  of  the 
United  States  have  homes.  They  have  a  confederacy  and 
union  of  States,  and  these  States  have  cities  and  towns  and 
corporations  and  counties  and  parishes  and  hundreds,  and 
these  have  houses  and  householders ;  and  these  houseliolders 
arc  patriarchs  of  domesticity.  They  are  husbands  of  tlie  soil, 
and  tlioy  have  wives  and  Identity  of  offspring,  and  tlieir  chll- 


104  PILGRIMAGE  TO  ^^RGmIA 

di'cn  have  fathers  and  mothers,  and  brothers  and  sisters,  and 
cousins  and  kindred,  around  hearth-stones  of  homes.  And 
these  homes  are  sacred,  and  these  relationships  are  holy,  as  the 
fanes  of  Heaven.  And  in  these  homes  of  America  are  germi- 
nated and  trained  the  tendrils  of  childhood  and  early  affec- 
tions, under  the  light  and  law  of  Liberty,  vrhich  are  as  endur- 
ing as  the  everlasting  hills.  They  grow  and  multiply,  and 
increase  to  rank  and  luxuriant  and  fruit-bearing,  strong  vines, 
which  cover  the  whole  earth  of  countiy,  and  are  indestructible. 
At  home  is  the  cradle  of  infancy,  nursed  by  mother  ;  at  home 
is  the  bread  toasted  at  the  hearth-stone,  constructed  by  father ; 
at  home  is  the  play-ground  consecrated  by  the  joys  and  tears 
of  brother  and  sister ;  near  by  home  is  the  school-house ;  all 
around  home  are  the  forests  and  fields  of  youthful  exercises, 
and  every  spot  is  marked  by  memory.  And  when  manhood 
leaves  the  maternal  roof  of  home,  memory  endears  more  and 
more  every  scene,  and  all  its  incidents  in  every  stage  of  child- 
hood and  youth,  from  the  cradle  and  the  cupboard  and  the 
mother's  knee,  —  that  household  altar  where  the  "  Now  I  lay 
me  "  was  first  lisped,  —  to  the  spelling-book  and  the  slate,  and 
the  pony,  and  the  gun  and  dog,  up  to  the  day  of  leave-taking 
of  all  for  the  greater  preparations  for  life.  And  life-long  and 
life-through,  these  feelings,  local  and  individual,  and  divided 
from  all  besides,  as  they  are,  —  isolated  and  tropical  in  their  be- 
ginning, —  become  the  sure  and  safe  foundation  of  the  strength 
of  a  whole  State,  as  the  States  are  the  pillars  of  the  whole 
nation.  Does  the  invader  assail  my  country  in  its  most  dis- 
tant, and  to  me  strangest  pai't,  —  to  the  uttermost  part  I  Avill 
march  to  meet  him.  Why  ?  He  can't  invade  my  country 
without  invading  my  State,  —  he  can't  invade  my  State  with- 
out invading  my  home,  —  "  my  own,  my  native  land."  He 
shall  be  repelled,  at  whatever  cost,  though  it  may  cost  me 
labor  and  fatigue  and  treasure  and  blood,  and  it  may  be  life. 
And  how  much  the  opposite  of  this  is  that  cosmopolitan  and 
philanthropic  and  abstract  and  generic  and  vague  and  wan- 
dering and  fanatical  love  of  one's  own  land,  which  begins  in  the 
clouds  and  from  abroad,  and  far  above  earthly  affections  and 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  105 

their  germs,  to  make  men  love  and  respect  themselves,  and 
tiy  to  serve  their  neighbors  and  their  State  and  their  whole 
country,  without  a  nucleus  of  affections  and  memories  to 
inspire  patriotism  ? 

The  love  of  home  expands  to  a  passionate  love  of  a  whole 
land,  and  becomes  generic  and  universal  and  conservative  and 
sublime,  while  the  cold,  cosmopolitan  philosophy  contracts  to 
selfishness  and  sectionalism,  and  becomes  special  and  destruc- 
tive and  mean  and  little.  In  this  there  is  the  very  poetry  of 
emotional  metaphysics.  Blount  Yernon  helped  to  make  a  Vir- 
ginia, and  both  to  make  the  patriotic  virtue  of  a  Washington, 
which  served  and  saved  the  whole  United  States  of  America ! 
He  did  not  leave  home  to  meddle  with  the  business  and  occu- 
pations and  pleasures  and  possessions  and  affairs  of  other 
homes ;  but  because  he  kept  to  his  own,  he  was  the  better 
fitted  to  preserve  and  defend  all. 

And  it  is  not  only  as  I  have  illustrated  that  the  words  of 
"  my  own,  my  native  land,"  thus  become  generic  and  country- 
serving  and  country-saving.  But  they  are  less  special  in  their 
growth  and  application  in  another  and  larger  sense.  With 
God's  blessing  and  the  fair  field  of  freedom,  these  homes  are 
the  happiest  upon  earth,  and  they  grow  up  and  glow  out  the 
most  fervid  patriotism  known  to  the  hearts  of  men. 

Liberty  in  the  United  States  has  become  a  Divine  Mother 
of  a  new,  new  birth.  Seeing  that  the  strength  of  the  country 
protects  the  peace  and  the  happiness  of  the  homes,  the  homes 
not  only  become  the  strength  of  the  country,  but  they  gener- 
ate a  love  of  liberty  which  works  miracles.  Before  the  United 
States  existed,  men  in  the  Old  World  were  born  serfs  of  the 
soil,  —  they  became  part  fixtures  of  a  birthplace.  Once  sub- 
jects of  a  tyrant,  they  were  always  subjects,  and  emigration 
could  drag  no  chain  long  enough  to  free  them  from  this  serf- 
dom. But  when  Liberty  lighted  up  her  torches  on  this  conti- 
nent, there  sprang  up  from  its  very  brightest  beams  a  new 
birth  of  freedom,  called  Naturalization.  When  the  oppressed 
fled  to  America  for  an  asylum,  and  swore  allegiance;  to  Lib- 
erty here,  and  said,   "  Tliy  country  is  my  country,"  Liberty 


106  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRGIXIA 

said  back,  in  reply,  "  Ho !  every  one  that  thirsteth  for  me, 
come  freely  and  you  shall  be  born  anew,  —  ye  shall  be  '  natu- 
ralized,' —  ye  shall  become  as  native-born,  and  my  country 
shall  be  thy  country  by  the  glorious  spirit  of  adoption,  where- 
by you  and  your  heirs  for  ever  shall  be  made  free ! "  The 
naturalized  and  the  native  were  made  as  one ;  and  the  one  or 
the  other  may  now  exclaim :  "  There  is  a  land  of  every  land 
the  pride,"  and  "  There  is  a  spot,  a  sweeter,  dearer  spot  than 
all  the  rest,"  —  and  Liberty  in  America  says  alike  to  natural- 
ized and  native :  "  O  man !  however  and  whencesoever  thy 
footsteps  have  roamed  or  may  roam,  — 

'  That  land  is  thy  country 
And  that  spot 's  thy  home !'  " 

And  liberty  here,  in  America,  has  not  only  generated  a 
new  birth  for  the  oppressed  of  every  foreign  land  who  by  elec- 
tion may  make  this  land  their  country,  and  this  spot  their 
home  ;  but  it  has  generated  a  new  birth  of  allegiance  and  love 
of  country  to  the  native-born.  I  was  born,  thank  God,  in  Vir- 
ginia. I  am  a  native  to  her  manor  of  Accomac  county,  and 
my  home  is  on  her  Onancock  Creek,  at  the  humble  plantation 
called  "  Only,"  after  a  good  man  who  once  owned  it,  and  be- 
cause it  is  the  "  only  "  place  which  a  certain  poor  man  can 
call  his  own.  But  though  thus  born,  and  having  there  an 
"  only  "  home,  yet  all  over  the  United  States,  in  every  State 
and  Territory,  I  have  an  estate  and  possession  and  inherit- 
ance more  precious  than  rubies,  which  entitle  me  to  exclaim 
with  all  my  might, 

"  This  is  my  own,  my  native  land !  " 

Because  I  was  born  to  a  title,  an  estate,  an  inheritance,  and 
a  glad  and  glorious  possession,  in  the  Union  of  these  States  of 
my  country,  I  love  0>'ly  above  all  homes,  —  it  is  a  sweeter, 
dearer  spot  than  all  the  rest.  I  love  my  neighbors  more  than 
all  other  neighbors,  because  they  are  my  neighbors ;  I  love  my 
country  more  than  all  other  countries  besides ;  I  love  my  State 
most  and  best,  because  she  is  the  State  of  my  home ;  and  I 


OF  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  107 

love  my  country  more  than  all  countries  on  God's  globe,  be- 
cause it  is  the  land  of  my  State,  the  State  of  my  country,  the 
country  of  my  neighborhood,  the  neighborhood  of  my  birth- 
place and  my  home,  —  and  covering  all,  above  all,  guarding 
all,  I  love  the  Union  of  all  the  States  of  my  whole  country,  be- 
cause it  gives  me  the  strength,  the  power,  the  Nationality,  the 
wealth  and  population  of  the  whole,  to  guard  and  protect  me 
and  my  little  all.  Ah  I  it  makes  me,  a  poor  man,  rich ;  it 
makes  me,  a  weak  man,  strong ;  it  makes  my  plantation  the 
State  of  Virginia ;  it  makes  Virginia  the  United  States  of 
America  ;  and  it  guarantees,  to  each  and  all,  peace  and  plenty, 
and  the  power  to  live  and  labor,  to  be  hajipy  and  free. 

What  great  and  almighty  things  it  has  made  out  of  little  I  It 
is  a  creative  power,  this  generating  power  of  American  Lib- 
erty. Though  I  possess  so  little,  and  am  but  one,  it  makes  all 
in  the  Union  mine,  and  makes  me  twenty-five  millions  of  peo- 
ple sti'ong.  If  I  leave  home  and  go  to  my  Court-House,  there 
I  am  a  freeholder,  and  an  equal  among  sovereign  men  ;  if  I 
leave  my  Court-House  and  come  up  to  this  metropolis  of  my 
State,  here  I  am  free,  by  election,  to  be  her  Governor,  and  to 
labor  with  a  glowing  heart  for  her  honor  and  interest  and  per- 
petual prosperity ;  and  if  when  weary  with  work  for  my  mother 
State,  performed  with  passionate  fondness,  I  go  to  New  Eng- 
land for  recreation,  (where  I  have  never  yet  set  my  foot,) 
even  there  I  can,  amongst  perfect  strangers,  still  say,  "  Fellow- 
citizens,"  and  if  no  individual  man  greets  me,  and  asks  me  to 
his  home  or  house,  I  have  a  right  to  go  to  one  house,  at  least, 
in  Boston,  —  to  old  Faneuil  Hall,  and  dance  and  make  music 
in  my  heart  of  hearts  of  patriotism,  in  the  ball-room  of  the 
Tea-Party  of  the  Revolution !  Faneuil  Hall  is  mine,  and 
Bunker  Hill  is  mine,  and  Bennington  is  mine,  and  all  Provi- 
dence Plantations  are  mine,  as  well  as  any  Yankee's  of  the 
six  New  England  States.  The  fame  of  their  Hancocks  and 
their  Adamses  of  old,  and  of  their  Oliver  H.  Perry  and  of 
their  Daniel  Webster  of  late,  is  mine ;  and  they  belong  to  me, 
a.s  Washington  l)elongs  to  Everett.  And  if  I  go  to  New  York, 
Saratoga  and  all  the  Highlands  are  mine ;  if  to  Jersey,  Treu- 


108  PILGRIMAGE   TO  VIRGINIA 

ton  and  Princeton  are  mine ;  if  to  Pennsylvania,  Germantown 
and  Brandywine  and  Philadelphia  and  Chad's  Fort  and  Fort 
Pitt  are  mine ;  — just  as  the  old  Raleigh  and  Point  Pleasant 
and  Great  Bridge  and  Yorktown  belong  by  inheritance  and 
Union-right  to  our  guests  Templars.  And  they  may  go  farther 
South,  and  they  will  find,  as  I  would  going  North,  more  and 
more  possessions,  all  their  own.  There  is  King's  INIountain 
and  Guilford  and  Cowpens  and  Fort  Moultrie  and  Camden 
and  Talladega  and  New  Orleans.  And  if  we  go  together  to  the 
Noi'thwest,  we  will  find  Kaskaskia  and  Yincennes  and  San- 
dusky, and  many  other  common  inheritances.  And  if  we  go  to 
the  very  newest  States  and  Territories,  where  not  a  sod  beneatii 
your  feet  has  ever  been  a  soldier's  sepulchre,  stiU  there  every 
inch  of  soil,  every  rood  of  land,  is  trophy  of  a  patriot's  toil  and 
sacrifice,  and  all,  all,  and  everywhere  and  anywhere  is  yours, 
by  common  inheritance,  by  imion,  right,  and  law ;  and  there 
you  may  erectyour  cabin  home,  and  plant  your  vine,  and  sit  in 
its  shade,  and  anywhere  and  everywhere,  throughout  the  juris- 
diction of  the  United  States,  on  deck  or  on  terra  Jirma,  of  sea 
or  land,  you  may  sing  aloud,  in  patriotic  pride  :  — 

"  This  is  mj'  own,  my  native  land." 

And  what  a  land  !  How  beautiful,  how  various  in  beauty 
of  luscious  fruits  and  bloom  !  O,  who  would  mar  this  gar- 
den of  the  free,  this  brooding  nest  of  teeminjj,  jrenerating  Lib- 
erty  ?  If  any  would  not  love  this  home,  this  State,  this  coun- 
try, let  him  have  no  home,  no  State,  no  country  to  love  !  K 
any  busy-bodies,  doing  mischief,  would  meddle  with  other 
homes  than  their  own,  to  try  to  make  all  better  by  making 
them  all  like  their  own,  which  they  love  best,  let  them  go  to 
Heaven  as  soon  as  possible,  and  get  under  the  wings  of  Prov- 
idence, where  they  belong,  much  fitter  than  to  earth  and  the 
United  States,  where  municipal  and  individual  freedom  reigns 
for  man's  estate  and  not  for  angels  !  And  if  any  would  array 
this  country's  parts  against  each  other  in  sectional  division  and 
strife,  let  them  have  no  inheritance  in  the  whole,  —  the  grand, 
great  whole ;  but  let  them  selfislily  have  a  single,  small  jilace 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  109 

for  their  safe-keeping,  a  home  made  for  treason,  felony,  or 
mania,  —  a  prison  or  a  mad-house.  They  cannot  destroy  the 
Union  without  destroying  States  and  homes,  and  they  cannot 
destroy  homes  and  States  ■without  destroying  the  Union.  By 
strengthening  each  part  we  fortify  the  whole,  and  by  fortifying 
the  whole  we  protect  each  part.  Each  and  all  is  ours ;  each 
and  all  belongs  to  all  equally  and  alike ;  in  the  part  and  in  the 
whole  all  citizens  are  seized;  and  all.  North  and  South,  East 
and  West,  white  and  black,  native  and  naturalized,  bond  and 
free,  happy  here  as  never  men  were  happy  elsewhere  on 
earth,  may  say,  for  the  whole  Union  of  these  States,  as  this 
toast  says  for  the  Blessed  Mother  of  States :  — 

"  Breathes  there  a  man  with  soul  so  dead, 
Who  never  to  himself  hath  said, 
This  is  my  own,  my  native  land  ?" 

I  give  you  :  — 

The  Union  and  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  as 
they  are, — the  country,  the  whole  country,  —  "My  own,  my 
native  land,"  as  it  is. 

AYith  the  highest  respect,  yours  fraternally, 

HENRY  A.   WISE. 

The  reading  of  this  letter  —  so  full  of  patriotic  senti- 
ments, expressed  in  such  fervid  style,  with  such  a  fluency 
of  rhetoric,  and  so  eloquent  withal  —  was  frequently 
interrupted  by  the  applause  of  the  company,  and  at  its 
conclusion  three  cheers  were  given  for  Governor  Wise. 

Then  followed  the  seventh  regular  toast :  — 

7.  Woman:  The  last  at  the  Cross  and  the  first  at  the  Sep- 
ulchre. 

Sir  Knight  Hamilton  "Willis,  of  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment, responded  briefly,  in  a  humorous  speech. 

He  said  that,  afl;er  having  listened  six  hours  to  the  eloquent 


no  PILGKIMAGE   TO   ^^EGI^^A 

speeches  of  the  evening,  he  could  hardly  be  expected  to  detain 
the  company  by  any  remarks  of  his  own  ;  and  if  he  had  covered 
reams  of  paper  with  words,  or  filled  his  mind  with  ideas,  it 
would  still  be  impossible  that  he  should  do  justice  to  the  occa- 
sion,—  to  the  merits  of  woman,  the  subject  of  the  toast,  or  to 
the  hospitality  with  which  they  had  been  met  by  men  and 
women  since  they  came  to  Virginia.  Disunion  had  been 
alluded  to  by  some  of  the  speakers  as  having  been  seriously 
contemplated  by  fanatical  men ;  but  so  long  as  we  are  sup- 
ported by  the  ladies,  we  can  fight  the  battles  of  the  Union  and 
come  off  conquerors.  Such  a  phalanx  as  this  (pointing  to  the 
ladies  assembled  in  the  piazza)  would  subdue  and  disarm  at 
once  any  foe  to  Union  !  Sjieaking  of  the  hospitality  which  had 
been  showered  upon  the  A'isiting  Sir  Knights  from  New  Eng- 
land, he  said  that  yesterday  he  went  into  a  shop  to  purchase 
some  article,  and  the  person  in  attendance  exclaimed,  "  How 
do  you  do,  —  every  inch  of  you  ?  "  and  shook  him  heartily  by 
the  hand,  although  a  stranger.  And  thus  it  had  been  ever  since 
they  arrived  in  Virginia  and  Richmond  ;  every  one  who  wore 
insignia  which  designated  him  as  one  of  the  pilgrims  from  the 
East,  was  taken  to  the  hearts  of  the  citizens  of  the  South. 

He  displayed  an  autograph  conunission,  and  an  order  of 
enlistment  signed  by  Patrick  Henry,  which  had  been  pre- 
sented to  him  by  a  Richmond  friend,  and  alluded  to  several 
interesting  scenes  that  occmred,  in  the  early  days  of  our  coun- 
try's  history,  in  Virginia. 

Sir  Knight  Willis  concluded  with  some  remarks  eulo- 
gistic of  the  Masonic  institution,  which  has  never  med- 
dled Avith  politics,  or  anything  it  is  not  concerned  with, 
but  has  ever  maintained  its  mtegrity,  adhering  steadfastly 
to  the  sublime  principles  which  ai'e  the  foundation  of  the 
Order. 

Three  cheers  were  given  for  the  ladies,  and  Rev.  J.  L. 
Burrows,  K.  T.,  was  called  upon  to  say  a  word  or  two 
in  behalf  of  the  fair  sex.     He  responded,  saying,  that 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TElfPLAKS.  HI 

there  was  once  an  old  gentleman  residing  in  Lynn,  Mas- 
sachusetts, some  time  ago,  named  Dr.  James  Gardner, 
who  was  a  man  of  such  unbending  integrity  that  he  was 
called  "  Aristides  the  Just,"  after  an  ancient  character 
who  bore  that  title.  This  man  had  a  daughter,  who  has 
been  for  many  years  a  resident  of  Richmond,  command- 
ing the  highest  respect  for  the  beauty  and  goodness  of  her 
character  as  a  Virginia  matron,  and  that  lady  had  com- 
missioned him  to  present  to  the  Sir  Knights  of  New  Eng- 
land a  beautiful  gift,  —  a  floral  Maltese  cross. 

The  cross  was  displayed,  and  Mr.  Burrows  proceeded 
to  read  a  poetic  offering,  written  by  the  same  lady,  (Mrs. 
S.  L.  Pellett,)  to  accompany  the  emblem.  The  following 
is  the 

P  0  E  JI . 

What  glorious  sentiments  tlic  heart  inspired 
Of  the  young  Knight,  on  fome  in  arms  intent ! 

How  his  firm  breast  with  noble  rage  was  fired, 
To  win  his  laurels  in  the  tournament! 

The  day  is  bright,  the  lists  are  all  prepared. 

The  sun  and  wind  in  due  proportions  shared. 

In  gorgeous  mail  arrayed  he  paces  round, 

While  plaudits  from  the  eager  throng  resound  : 

He  casts  a  glance  upon  the  countless  crowd 

Of  dames,  whose  cliarms  might  make  a  nation  proud ; 

But  gazes  upon  one  fair  girl  alone, 

Whose  brilliant  eye  is  modestly  cast  down. 

Whose  lovely  bosom  heaves  with  maiden  fear, 

As  silently  she  drops  the  unbidden  tear. 

It  is  the  lady  of  his  youthful  love, 

Whose  prayers  e'en  now  ascend  to  saints  above. 

To  shield  her  lover's  heart,  and  nerve  his  arm, 

And  guard  him  in  the  combat,  safe  from  iiarm. 

Unearthly  is  the  silence  reigning  now ! 
Anxiety  is  painted  on  each  brow  ! 


112  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRGIXIA 

As  the  young  Knights,  hke  pillars  of  fiiin  steel, 
Appear  in  deadly  strife  their  blows  to  deal. 

The  trumpets  sound !  and  forth,  like  lightning's  flash, 
In  swift  career  the  coursers  wildly  dash ; 
Like  rattling  thunder  from  Olympus'  seat. 
The  combatants  in  opposition  meet ! 

One  Knight,  unhorsed,  rolls  headlong  o'er  the  plain ; 

But,  fiercely  rising  to  his  feet  again. 

Although  dismounted,  yet  still  undismayed. 

His  war-cry  shouts,  and  waves  bis  glittering  blade ! 

His  foe  springs  to  the  ground,  and  draws  his  brand, 

The  combat  to  renew  with  hand  to  hand. 

The  heralds  strive  to  stay  the  fight  in  vain ! 
Blows  upon  blows  in  ceaseless  torrent  rain ! 
The  waving  plume  is  from  the  helmet  shorn ! 
The  vanquished  Knight  once  more  to  earth  is  borne ! 
Yet  still  he  summons  strength,  as  low  be  lies. 
And  with  a  look  of  scorn  and  hate  —  he  dies ! 

The  victor  now,  with  loud,  exulting  song. 
Is  led  in  triumph  through  the  applauding  throng ; 
And  laurel  wreaths  his  youthful  temples  bind. 
By  the  fair  hands  of  her  he  loves  entwined. 

These  were  your  sports,  Sir  Knights,  in  times  gone  by. 
When  Faith,  and  Hope,  and  Charity, 
Though  watchwords  in  your  mouths,  in  battle's  strife 
Had  little  influence  on  heart  and  life. 

But  now,  Emmanuel's  mission  understood. 
No  more  j-ou  revel  in  these  deeds  of  blood ; 
But,  from  the  love  you  bear  that  holy  name, 
Make  pure  beneficence  your  end  and  aim. 

Yet,  should  the  widow,  or  the  helpless  maid, 

In  her  despair,  appeal  to  you  for  aid,  — 

Should  sacrilegious  hands  your  altars  bum, 

And  Christ's  religion  seek  to  overturn,  — 

Your  swords  would  leap  at  once  spontaneous  forth. 

To  sweep  the  felon  from  the  face  of  earth. 


OF   THE  KMGHTS   TEMPLARS.  113 

TVe  see  you  here  to-day,  a  noble  band  ! 
And,  as  you  take  each  other  by  the  hand, 
The  touch  electric  runs  through  all  the  land ! 
Old  Massachusetts,  by  Virginia  grasped  ! 
And  never  be  that  Union  imclasped ! 

After  reading  the  above  lines,  Rev.  IMi*.  Burrows  gave 
the  following  sentiment :  — 

Woman :  The  first  to  greet,  the  readiest  to  bless,  and  the 
last  to  leave  us. 

When  the  applause  had  subsided,  the  eighth  regular 
toast  was  read:  — 

8.  TJie  Memories  of  Josepli  Warren,  Natlianael  Greene,  and 
George  Washington :  An  immortal  trio,  to  IMasonry  no  less  than 
to  their  country  dear. 

The  Hon.  George  Washington  Warren  responded  as 
follows :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  —  The  senti- 
ment to  which  I  am  bidden  to  respond,  makes  for  me  a  grate- 
ful and  an  easy  task.  Easy,  because  it  is  quite  unnecessary  to 
say  anything  to  deepen  the  impression  which  these  immortal 
names  have  already  made  upon  our  minds. 

Of  the  first,  bearing  his  name  and  descended  from  the  same 
stock  from  which  he  sprang,  I  will  only  say,  that  it  was  his 
good  fortune,  after  having,  as  a  prominent  political  leader,  set 
the  ball  of  the  Revolution  in  motion,  to  offer  up  his  life  in 
its  first  great  battle,  as  a  sacrifice  of  early  martjTdom  to  the 
cause  of  American  Liberty,  and  to  leave  a  memory  cherished 
and  revered  by  all  and  for  all  time. 

To  Nathanael  Greene,  the  Sir  Knights  of  his  native  State 
have  already  paid  eloquent  tributes  ;  and  I  will  only  add,  that 
it  was  his  good  fortune,  at  an  important  crisis,  to  retrieve  otir 
serious  losses  on  the  Southern  frontier,  and  to  render  most 
important  service  throughout  the  war. 


114  PILGRIMAGE   TO  ^^RGINIA 

To  Washington  himself,  I  will  not  attempt,  in  this  assembly, 
to  do  justice.  There  is  but  one  man  in  Massachusetts  who  can 
do  it  everywhere,  and  his  silver  trumpet  eloquence  upon  this 
lofty  theme  has  been  heard  throughout  the  land. 

One  circumstance  in  connection  with  his  gi'eat  services  to 
his  country  I  will  mention,  as  it  is  not  so  generally  known,  or 
remembered  if  known,  as  it  might  be.  AVhen  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill  had  been  fought,  the  news  spread  over  the  coun- 
try as  quickly  as  could  be,  and  at  the  same  time  intelligence 
was  communicated  everywhere  that  George  Washington,  of 
Virginia,  had  been  appointed  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
army.  His  appointment  had  been  determined  two  days  be- 
fore the  battle,  but  his  commission  was  signed,  as  if  it  were  by 
a  special  providence,  on  that  memorable  day. 

These  three  illustrious  men  were  Masons  all.  As  patriotic 
citizens,  we  love  them  none  the  less  ;  but  as  Masons,  we  love 
them  all  the  more  for  that. 

Allow  me.  Sir  Knights,  in  conclusion,  to  give  as  a  sentiment 
what  I  know  to  be  the  aspiration  of  you  all,  founded  also  upon 
your  sincere  and  firmest  faith  :  — 

Bunker  Hill  and  Mount  Vernon  :  May  the  sacred,  conserva- 
tive influences  of  both  serve  ever  as  guardian  angels  to  guide 
and  protect  our  whole  couxtky  I 

Much  cheering  followed  this  speech,  and  the  ninth  reg- 
ular toast  was  read :  — 

9.  The  City  of  Boston  :  The  reception  she  gives  her  friends 
is  only  equalled  in  warmth  by  the  fire  with  which  of  old  she 
met  her  enemies. 

Sir  Knight  Gen.  John  S.  Tyler,  of  the  De  Molaj  En- 
campment arose,  at  a  call,  to  respond.     He  said  :  — 

It  was  one  of  the  happiest  events  of  my  life  when  I  came 
from  Boston  to  Richmond.  Boston  has  become  somewhat 
famous  for  her  notions.  She  is  called  the  City  of  Notions, 
but  with  some  notions  that  are  not  exactly  relished  every- 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  Ho 

•where,  she  has  had,  and  now  has,  some  good  ones.  She  once 
indulged  in  the  notion  of  making  a  dish  of  tea  in  her  harbor, 
which,  although  it  was  much  disrelished  by  the  Mother  Coun- 
try, was  yet  considered  a  good  notion  by  her  patriotic  citizens 
at  the  time,  and  has  been  esteemed  as  such  by  patriotic  citi- 
zens of  this  whole  country  ever  since.  Boston  has  a  "  town 
hall,"  which  she  has  a  notion  of  calling  a  cradle,  and  Liberty 
was  rocked  in  it  and  grew  strong.  Virginia,  with  a  strong 
arm,  with  a  determined  purpose,  and  with  a  good  will,  helped 
mightily  to  rock  that  cradle,  and  with  a  motherly  care  she 
assisted  in  raising  the  infant  nurtured  there  to  become  a  strong, 
and  hearty,  and  free  nation.  Virginia,  as  well  as  Boston  and 
Massachusetts,  had  a  strong  notion  of  making  this  a  free  and 
independent  government  in  those  days. 

Virginia  has  her  notions  too.  And  Richmond  has  her  own 
notions,  among  which  is  that  of  making  strangers  who  come 
here  most  happy,  and  overwhelming  them  with  her  hospitali- 
ties.' Her  roses  and  her  mint-juleps,  are  they  not  fragrant  ? 
and  will  they  not  be  fresh  in  the  memory  of  every  Sir  Knight 
here  present  from  New  England,  as  long  as  his  memory  shall 
last  ?  Her  roses  shall  bloom  in  their  hearts  until  the  silver 
cord  be  loosed,  and  her  juleps  shall  be  fragrant  in  their  mem- 
ory until  the  golden  bowl  is  broken !  And  are  not  her  "  fine- 
cut  "  and  "  honey-dew  "  praised  in  the  mouths  of  millions  ? 

One  notion  we  have  in  Boston,  —  that  we  will  ipaintain  the 
laws  of  the  Union,  palatable  or  impalatable,  and  will  live  true 
to  the  Constitution  which  the  fathers  of  Virginia  and  New  Eng- 
land framed  for  their  happy,  thrice  happy  children. 

He  gave  in  conclusion  this  sentiment :  — 
The  Masonic  degree  of  Patriotism,  M'hich  is  illustrated  in 
our  Revolutionary  struggle.  AVe  entered  apprentices  and 
took  degrees  at  Lexington.  The  Master-Masons  were  ele- 
vated at  Bunker  Hill.  There  were  my  chapter  following  the 
marches  of  Brandywine  and  Valley  Forge,  but  the  seal  was 
taken  at  Yorktown,  and  let  no  ^lason  forget  the  nature  of  that 
oljli<ration. 


116  PILGPJMAGE  TO   VIEGIMA 

This  response  for  Boston  was  enthusiastically  received. 
The  next  toast  was  read :  — 

10.  The  City  of  Providence,  the  capital  of  Rhode  Island: 
A  trust  in  Providence  will  never  disappoint  a  stranger. 

Sir  Knight  "W.  C.  Barker  responded  thus :  — 

"We  who  come  from  the  land  of  Eoger  Williams  may  be  said 
to  trust  emphatically  in  Providence,  the  capital  of  Rhode 
Island ;  for  when  that  individual  was  driven  out  of  Massachu- 
setts for  opinion's  sake,  by  those  who  had  been  driven  from 
England  for  the  same  cause,  he  paddled  his  canoe  across  the 
Seekonk  Piver,  and  on  his  approach  to  the  land  opposite,  he 
was  saluted  by  the  Indians  with  the  comforting  words  of 
"What  cheer,"  and  continuing  his  pilgrimage  still  onward, 
after  rounding  the  point,  he  landed,  and  in  searching  he 
found  at  last  a  spring  of  the  purest  sparkling  water,  and  in 
token  of  gratitude,  for  the  event  he  named  the  place  Provi- 
dence, and  in  that  name  he  trusted,  and  was  not  disappointed. 
Hence  the  name  Providence. 

And  though  his  territory  was  narrow,  and  the  people  in  it 
but  few,  yet  that  Providence  in  whom  he  trusted  has  blessed 
it  Uberally. 

It  is  now  the  second  city  in  New  England ;  its  commerce  is 
extensive ;  but  its  manufactures,  for  which  it  is  most  distin- 
guished, show  active  hands,  and  energetic  and  busy  brains. 
But  in  the  midst  of  these  engrossing  cares  it  does  not  forget 
the  higher  and  more  sacred  mark  of  its  early  history ;  and  the 
name  of  its  founder,  and  the  first  salutation  of  the  red  man  to 
him  on  his  landing,  are  sacred  words  with  us. 

With  these  recollections  thronging  upon  us,  with  these  ante- 
cedents to  form  our  character,  we  should  be  recreant  to 
ourselves  and  our  history,  if  we  did  not,  with  a  whole-hearted 
liberaUty,  welcome  the  stranger  among  us,  and  especially,  find- 
ing him  a  worthy  brother,  if  we  did  not  draw  him  closely  to 
our  very  hearts. 

We  may  be  few,  our  territory  small,  but  our  hearts  are 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAES.  II7 

large,  aud  blood  is  warm,  and  affections  are  earnest ;  and 
while  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  us  in  the 
toast  you  have  given,  we  trust  you  will  never  have  occasion 
to  doubt  the  safety  of  reliance  on  Providence  in  Rhode  Island. 

In  Masonic  histoiy,  Sir,  we  have  still  a  clearer  account. 
We  have  had  those  with  us  whose  memory  we  do  not  forget ; 
particularly,  we  have  had  a  Thomas  Smith  "Webb,  to  rig  and 
steer  our  Masonic  ship  in  her  more  tender  years.  lie  was  for 
many  years  our  Grand  Master,  Grand  Commander,  &c.,  and 
many  of  the  features  of  the  preparatory  degrees  of  the  Holy 
Royal  Arch  may  be  traced  to  that  master  mind,  and  to  those 
persevering  habits  known  to  exist  in  him,  which  gave  shape 
and  form  to  many  things,  which,  before  his  day,  were  wrapped 
in  impenetrable  mystery. 

We  have,  Sir,  our  ancient  St.  John's  Lodge,  now  in  her 
hundred  and  third  year,  still  green  and  able  to  bear  good  fruit, 
and  Avhich  has  sent  forth  many  sons  to  good  work. 

And,  Sir,  we  have  one  lodge  now  numbering  much  over 
half  a  century,  named  after  your  and  our  own  sacred  spot 
called  "Mount  Vernon." 

And  last,  though  not  least,  we  have  the  young  giant,  called 
"  What  Cheer  Lodge,"  fast  travelling  on  to  an  honorable  dis- 
tinction among  men  and  Masons. 

Allow  me  to  propose  the  following  toast :  To  the  memory  of 
our  foi-mer  Worthy  Bi-other  and  Grand  Commander,  Thomas 
Smith  AVebb,  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island. 

Eleventh  regular  toast :  — 

11.  The  City  of  Riclunond :  j\Iay  the  echoes  from  her  seven 
hills  resound  a  Virginia  welcome. 

Sir  Knight  Joseph  Mayo,  Mayor  of  Richmond,  re- 
sponded in  a  gonial  and  enthusiastic  speecli  (>f  greeting 
to  the  visiting  Templars. 

He  said  he  was  a  new  recruit  as  a  Kuiglit  lVnii)lar,  but  liis 
heart  was  fullv  with  them.     "Would  to  God  he  had  language  to 


118  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

express  the  pleasure  It  had  given  him  to  meet  his  friends  from 
New  England  in  the  city  of  Richmond.     He  welcomed  the  - 
patriotic  sons  of  the  North  to  a  patriotic  city  of  the  South. 

On  the  fifteenth  day  of  May,  seventeen  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-five, resolutions  were  passed  in  the  Virginia  Convention, 
held  in  Richmond,  in  favor  of  declaring  the  independence  of 
the  American  Colonies  ;  and  he  would  remind  them  that  on  the 
fifteenth  day  of  May  they  were  in  the  capital  of  the  nation, 
on  their  way  to  this  city.  It  was  a  coincidence  worth  being 
remembered  by  them. 

He  said  that  the  blessings  and  glories  of  our  Union  had  been 
spoken  of  by  those  who  had  responded  to  the  sentiments  intro- 
duced on  this  occasion,  and  disunion  had  been  denounced  in 
appropriate  terms.  But  he  had  no  fear  of  disunion.  Why,  if 
they  would  give  him  a  commission  as  a  Brigadier-General,  he 
would  engage  to  whip  every  hostile  foe  who  should  dare  to 
raise  his  hand  against  the  Union  ! 

He  proceeded  to  say  that  the  city  with  one  heart  welcomed 
the  Sir  Knights,  and  the  ladies  who  had  accompanied  them, 
from  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island. 

The  twelfth  toast  was  :  — 

12.  The  Memory  of  George  WasMngton: 

"  The  Cincinnatus  of  the  West, 
Whom  envy  dared  not  hate." 

The  company  rose,  as  if  by  a  common  impulse,  and  the 
toast  was  drunk  in  silence. 

The  thirteenth  and  last  of  the  regular  toasts  was  now 
read,  as  follows  :  — 

13.  The  Associations  of  (his  Day : 

"  Adieu,  a  heart's  fond,  warm  adieu, 
Ye  brothers  of  our  mystic  tie ; 
Ye  favored  and  enlightened  few, 
Companions  of  our  social  joy. 


OF  THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  HQ 

And  by  that  hierogh-])hic  bright, 

Which  none  but  Craftsmen  ever  saw, 

Strong  mem'ry  on  onr  hearts  shall  -Krite 
These  happy  scenes  when  you  're  awa'." 

Sir  Knight  James  R.  Crenshaw,  of  Richmond,  in  re- 
sponse to  this  toast,  spoke  as  follows :  — 

The  associations  of  this  day  !  How  shall  I  speak  of  them  ? 
I  should  like  to  indulge  the  hope  that  to  om'  guests  they  have 
been  as  gratifying,  as  to  ourselves  they  have  been  exceeding 
pleasant ;  but  this,  I  fear,  we  cannot  do,  so  far  short  of  our 
feelings  has  been  the  feeble  welcome  extended  to  them.  For 
Richmond  Commandery  I  am  sure  I  may  say,  that,  as  these 
associations  have  been  the  happiest  of  their  lives,  so  will  the 
memory  of  them  ever  be  the  most  vivid. 

And  how  glorious  are  the  recollections  which  these  associa- 
tions recall !  The  recollection  of  the  relations  which  existed 
between  Kew  England  and  Virginia  during  the  Revolution 
can  only  fail  to  awake  enthusiasm,  and  cause  our  hearts  to  beat 
with  a  warmer  glow,  when  all  that  is  noble  and  manly  shall 
be  trampled  under  foot.  We  cannot  permit  ourselves  to  for- 
get that  the  great  tree  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  which  now 
lifts  its  lofty  trunk,  and  stretches  forth  its  wide-spreading 
branches  to  the  blue  arch  of  heaven,  and  from  which  the  entire 
people  of  these  United  States,  from  ]\Iaine  to  Louisiana,  have 
the  happy  privilege  to  pluck  the  rich  fruits  of  peace,  prosper- 
ity, and  united  harmony,  wliilst  it  budded  in  Massachusetts, 
blossomed  in  Virginia.  Its  tillage  at  Bunker  Hill  was  an  ex- 
periment ;  at  Yorktown  it  became  a  confirmed  success ;  —  the 
most  inestimable  blessing  which  Providence  in  his  bounty  ever 
vouchsafed  to  man.  We  cannot  say  that  it  "budded,  blos- 
somed, and  bore  fruit  in  a  day."  Alas  that  we  cannot !  It 
would  not  grow  until  its  roots  had  been  baptized,  and  the 
soil  enriched  with  the  heart's  blood  of  our  common  fathers. 
Yet  so  wise  were  the  hands  that  planted  it,  so  rich  the  com- 
post that  was  spread  upon  the  soil,  that  its  growth  was  rapid, 
its  roots  became  deep-set,  and    its  foundation  so  finii,  that  it 


120  PILGEDIAGE  TO  MRGIXIA 

stands  now  "  amid  regal  ruin  and  national  desolation,  tower- 
ing sublime,  like  the  last  mountain  in  the  deluge,  —  majestic, 
immutable,  and  magnificent,"  —  and  waves  its  strong  limbs,  de- 
fiant of  the  storm  and  the  whirlwind. 

The  recollections  thus  briefly  referred  to,  which  these  asso- 
ciations recall,  were  alone  sufficient  to  make  us  —  the  chil- 
dren of  those  common  "sires  of  war  proof,"  whose  courageous 
hearts,  in  the  darkest  hour  of  their  country's  gloom,  " ncAcr 
sag'd  with  doubt  or  shook  with  fear  "  — 

"  Two  souls  with  but  a  single  thought. 
Two  hearts  that  beat  as  cue." 

Tliere  are,  however,  recollections  of  a  more  personal  char- 
acter, of  more  recent  date,  which  no  Richmond  Sir  Knight 
can  forget,  or  fail  frequently  to  mention  with,  we  trust,  a  grate- 
ful and  generous  heart.  Not  cjuite  one  year  ago,  many  of  the 
Virginia  Sir  Knights  now  present  wended  their  way  to  the 
shrine  of  your  and  our  immortal  Warren.  Kind  Providence 
smiled  upon  our  journey,  and,  when  weary  and  faint  from 
travel  and  fatigue,  we  were  refreshed  and  invigorated  by  the 
material  comforts  and  elegant  luxuries  with  which  we  were 
provided ;  yet  much  more  strengthened,  and  our  fervor  and 
zeal  more  increased,  by  the  genuine  overfow  of  true  affection 
with  which  we  were  received,  and  bid  a  godspeed  on  our  way. 

And  at  the  shrine  of  Warren,  and  in  sight  of  Bunker  Hill, 
which  his  death  upon  that  field  were  alone  sufficient  to  Im- 
mortalize, we,  my  brother  Sir  Knights  of  Richmond,  were 
made  captives  by  De  Molay  Encampment.  Yet  so  happy 
were  we  in  our  captivity,  and  so  pleasant  were  the  chains  they 
forged,  that  we  are  content  to  remain  in  such  captivity,  and 
wear  those  chains  for  ever. 

But  there  is  one  thought  which  your  toast  makes  me  re- 
member, that  throws  a  shade  of  gloom  and  sadness  over  this 
hour  of  otherwise  perfect  bhss.  That  Is  the  last  regular  toast, 
and  that  reminds  me  that  these  associations  are  to  have  an 
end,  though  their  memory  will  never  die.  Would  this  were 
not  so.     Would  thev  could   be  lenfrthened  out  "  until  time 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  121 

shall  be  no  more,  and  eternity  shall  be  begun."  I  know  I 
speak  but  the  echoes  of  the  heart  of  each  Virginia  Sir  Knight, 
when,  in  the  language  of  the  toast,  I  bid  them  an 

"  Adiexi,  a  heart's  warm,  fond  adievi, 
Dear  brothers  of  the  mystic  tie,"  Szc. 

"  Remember  thee  ? 
Ay,  good  Sir  Knights,  while  memory  liolds  a  seat 
In  this  distracted  globe.     Remember  thee  ? 
Yea,  from  the  table  of  our  memory 
We  'II  wipe  away  all  trivial  fond  records, 
All  saws  of  books,  all  fonns,  all  pressures  past. 
That  j-outh  and  obseiwation  copied  there. 
And  thy  remembrance  all  alone  shall  live, 
"With  the  book  and  volume  of  our  brain, 
Unmixed  with  baser  matter." 

And  there  is  one  other  recollection  which  makes  my  heart 
ache;  that  is,  that  we  have  not  treated  our  guests  as  well  as 
we  ought  to  have  done.  I  fear  that  the  heavens  themselves 
have  been  weeping,  during  the  day,  because  the  reception  we 
have  given  our  friends,  and  our  hospitality,  have  not  been 
what  they  should  be.  "  But  pardon  't  as  you  are  gentlemen." 
It  was,  believe  me,  fault  of  the  head,  not  the  heart.  Sirs,  my 
heart  is  too  full  to  speak  :  — 

"  The  heart  feels  most  wlien  the  lips  move  not, 
And  the  eye  speaks  the  gentle  good-by." 

The  speech  of  Sir  Knight  Crenshaw  was  warmly- 
applauded.  It  was  now  a  quarter  past  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  some  of  the  elderly  gentlemen  of  the  com- 
pany retired  from  time  to  time,  while  the  festive  speeches 
and  the  flow  of  Champagne  were  kept  up  nearly  an  hour 
longer. 

Several  letters  were  read,  after  which  volunteer  senti- 
ments and  appropriate  resjjonses  became  the  oi-der  of  the 
moraing.  The  reporters  were  obliged  to  retire  to  pre- 
pare copy  for  the  Richmond  press,  or  write  despatches  to 


122  PILGEIMAGE  TO  VIRGIXIA 

other  cities,  and  many  good  things  spoken  when  the 
"  flow  of  soul "  was  most  sparkling  were  thus  lost  to  the 
public.  Some  fragments  of  this  portion  of  the  "feast  of 
reason,"  however,  are  preserved. 

,  The  following  letters  from  absent  Knights  Templars 
were  read  by  the  toast-master  :  — 

NATHANIEL  B.   SHURTLEFF'S  LETTER. 

To  THE  Knights  of  the  Richmond  Encampment  :  — 

It  grieves  me  much,  brother  Knights  and  compamons  of 
Richmond,  that  I  am  deprived  of  the  courtly  privilege,  at  this 
time,  of  paying  in  person  my  humble  homage  to  the  shrine  of 
the  great  Father  of  his  country,  —  that  I  cannot  join  my 
brethren  of  Massachusetts  in  their  pilgrimage  to  the  Old  Do- 
minion, a  land  teeming  with  historical  and  patriotic  associations 
of  the  most  interesting  character,  —  that  I  cannot  exchange  the 
friendly  grasp,  and  press  to  my  heart  my  new-known  brethren 
of  Virginia,  and  partake  of  their  overflowing  kindness  and  good 
cheer,  for  which  they  are  so  proverbially  known  and  dis- 
tinguished. But,  as  in  the  loss  of  those  things  which  the  fates 
deny,  man  should  unmurmuringly  acquiesce,  and  yield  a  will- 
ing obedience,  so  do  I,  though  with  a  heavy  heart,  resignedly 
submit  to  decrees  that  I  cannot  avert. 

To  me  the  name  of  Virginia  has  a  pecuHar  charm.  Its 
mention  recalls  to  mind  valued  remembrances  of  the  past,  as 
of  an  intermediate  fatherland,  vinder  whose  earlier  endeavors 
and  auspicious  guidance  the  forefathers  of  my  own  home  owe 
their  first  heart-beatings  for,  and  successful  adventures  to, 
their  early  haven  of  rest,  —  pilgrim  New  England ;  and  the 
coupling  together  of  the  names  of  the  two  most  ancient  and 
renowned  of  the  commonwealths  of  the  great  American  con- 
federation —  the  linking  together  of  Virginia  and  IMassachu- 
setts  in  one  breathing,  articulate  sound  —  awakens  within  me, 
also,  emotion^  which  no  language  of  mine  can  adequately  ex- 
press.    The  direct  origin  of  these  two  States,  as  is  Avell  known, 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  123 

is  absolutely  traceable  to  the  same  Anglo-Saxon  race  of  men, 
and  to  the  same  primitiYe  charters ;  and  by  the  same  maritime 
adventurers  were  the  sea-coasts  of  the  sister  Colonies  first  visit- 
ed, and  their  navigable  inlets  first  explored.  It  would  appear, 
therefore,  that  between  the  two  there  existed,  in  a  great  de- 
gree, a  union  of  sentiment  and  feeling,  however  different  may 
have  been  the  causes  and  motives  which  impelled  their  first 
colonists  to  leave  their  old  homes  of  England,  and  induced 
them  to  transplant  themselves  to  American  soil. 

It  is  now  little  more  than  two  centuries  and  a  half  since  the 
fii-st  James  of  England,  son  of  the  unfortunate  Mary  of  Scot- 
land, granted  the  Charter  under  wliich  the  successful  coloni- 
zation of  this  part  of  the  American  continent  was  accomplished. 
The  memorable  letters-patent  passed  the  seals  of  Westminster 
on  the  10th  of  April,  1606  ;  and  established  by  one  instru- 
ment the  two  great  Colonies  of  America,  —  one  to  be  called 
"  The  Fu-st  Colony  of  Virginia,"  and  to  be  under  the  London 
Company,  —  and  the  other  to  be  called  "  The  Second  Colony 
of  Virginia,"  and  to  be  under  the  Plymouth  Company.  Al- 
though by  this  grant  the  territories  of  these  two  overlapped 
each  other  three  whole  degrees  of  latitude,  there  does  not  ap- 
pear ever  to  have  arisen  any  serious  differences  between  the 
Colonies  on  this  account.  Our  fathers  of  the  good  old  pilgrim 
times  needed  no  lines  of  separation,  no  compromises ;  they 
knew  the  South,  the  North,  just  as  now  do  the  brave  and 
valiant  and  courteous  Knights  of  the  Do  Molay  and  Richmond 
Encampments  of  Templars. 

In  the  year  1607,  just  on  the  eve  of  St.  John's  Day,  (St. 
John  the  Baptist,)  the  first  actual  settlement  of  Virginia  was 
made  at  Jamestown,  by  the  First  Colony,  or,  as  more  com- 
monly related,  by  the  colonists  of  South  Virginia  ;  and  thir- 
teen years  later,  on  the  21st  of  December,  the  pioneer  set- 
tlement of  the  Second  Colony,  or  of  North  Virginia,  was  made 
at  Plymouth,  by  my  own  New  England  forefathers.  In  course 
of  time,  ten  years  later  in  the  current  of  events,  and  under  a 
charter  emanating  indirectly  from  the  Great  Virginia  Patent, 
Boston,  the  home  of  the  De  Molays,  was  colonized  from  the 
same  parent  stock. 


124  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

From  these  small  beginnings  have  arisen  two  commou- 
wealths,  equally  renowned  for  the  thrift,  for  the  patriotism, 
aTid  for  the  valor  and  wisdom  of  their  citizens.  These  have 
from  the  first  been  found  always  together,  and  constantly  in 
historical  parallels.  Both  have  been  equally  distinguished  for 
their  love  of  national  liberty,  and  for  their  firm  resistance  to 
foreign  encroachments  and  tyranny.  Both  stood  nobly  and 
fearlessly  together,  side  by  side,  and  shoulder  to  shoulder,  in 
the  great  struggle  for  independence ;  and  if  the  first  great 
battle  of  the  Revolution  was  fought  in  Massachusetts,  on  New 
England  soil,  it  is  no  less  true  that  in  Virginia  the  glorious 
victory  was  finally  achieved,  on  the  soil  of  the  Old  Dominion. 
The  actions  at  Charlestown,  on  the  Charles  Eiver,  in  June, 
1775,  and  at  Yorktown,  on  the  York  River,  in  October,  1781, 
■will  ever  be  regarded  as  the  most  memorable  in  the  history  of 
American  Lidependence.  Surely  no  two  days  in  the  past 
annals  of  our  country  ever  excited  greater  hopes  in  the  breasts 
of  our  patriot  fathers. 

If,  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  great  event  in  our  national 
history,  Massachusetts  produced  the  first  soldiers,  Virginia,  on 
her  part,  gave  the  inimitable  General  of  the  whole  war,  and 
Massachusetts  men  were  first  concerned  in  privately  suggest- 
ing liis  nomination  ;  and  if  they  did  not  actually  give  the  first 
public  motion  and  direct  impulse  for  it,  it  was  because  they 
courteously  waived  that  right  to  a  noble  sister  Colon}-,  which 
was  deemed  at  the  time  a  politic  act  for  the  common  good. 
If  to  Jefferson  we  are  indebted  for  the  draft  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence,  it  is  to  the  arguments  and  eloquence  of 
Adams  that  we  mainly  owe  its  adoption.  And  where  were 
Henry,  and  the  Lees,  and  Randolph,  of  Virginia,  in  the  times 
that  tried  men's  souls,  but  with  the  Adamses,  and  "Warren,  and 
Hancock,  of  Massachusetts  ? 

On  the  institution  of  the  Federal  GoA-ernment,  Virginia  and 
Massachusetts  were  not  forgotten  in  the  first  places  of  honor 
and  responsibility.  "Washington  and  Adams  received  the  first 
votes  for  President ;  and  Adams  receiving  a  less  number  than 
"Washington,  from  the  same  hands,  became,  according  to  a  pro- 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEJffLARS.  125 

vision  of  the  Constitution,  Vice-President ;  -wliile  the  great 
Yirginian,  as  was  unanimously  intended  by  tlie  voters,  became 
President. 

Indeed,  this  parallel  might  be  carried  to  a  much  greater  ex- 
tent, and  the  patience  of  the  Knights  completely  exhausted. 
I  will  not,  therefore,  consume  any  more  time  on  this  endless 
theme,  but  give  way  to  others  for  discourse  of  a  more  social 
and  spii'ited  character.  But,  before  closing,  let  me  suggest 
that  we  take  pattern  from  the  past.  Let  us,  in  every  action 
of  life,  in  every  work  and  in  every  deed,  emulate  the  examples 
of  our  fathers.  Let  us  strive,  in  the  language  of  our  ritual,  in 
that  noble  contention  of  "  who  best  can  work  and  best  agree  " ; 
and  never,  never,  between  Massachusetts  and  Virginia,  let 
there  be  any  other  feeling  than  that  which  has  descended  from 
our  ancestry,  and  which  should  exist  in  a  common  brotherhood, 
united  by  the  sacred  bands  of  our  mystic  tie,  which,  I  need  not 
tell  you,  inculcate  and  enjoin  good  will  and  fraternal  love  to 
all  mankind. 

In  conclusion,  my  friends  and  brothers,  let  me  propose 

Richmond  and  Boston:  May  their  citizens,  and  the  succes- 
sive generations  which  may  come  after  them,  be  to  each  other, 
through  the  long  ages  of  after-time,  what  true  Templars  are  to 
one  another,  and  what,  from  the  earliest  days  of  our  common 
country,  Virginia  has  alwaj's  been  to  Massachusetts,  and  Mas- 
sachusetts to  Virginia. 

In  all  courtesy  and  brotherly  love,  I  am  truly  yours, 

NATHANIEL  B.  SHUKTLEFF. 
Boston,  May  13, 1859. 

JOHN  EOBIN  McDANIEL'S  LETTER. 

LjTichburg,  Va.,  May  14,  1859. 
E.  II.  Gill,  Commander  Richmond  Commandery,  No.  2  :  — 

Dear  Sir  and  Brother,  —  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  kind  invi- 
tation to  participate  in  the  entertainment  and  festivities  on 
the  occasion  of  the  visit  of  our  Boston  and  Providence  knightly 
brethren  to  Richmond,  on  the  ICth  instant. 


126  PILGEIMAGE   TO   VIRGES^A 

I  am  grateful  for  tliis  mark  of  the  kind  feelings  of  the  Sir 
Knights  of  your  Commandery  ;  and  I  appreciate  highly,  I  as- 
sure you,  the  honor,  and  it  would  indeed  be  gi-atifj-ing  to  me  to 
mingle  with  them  on  that  very  interesting  occasion.  I  hare  to 
regret  —  deeply  regret  —  that  pressing  business,  of  a  charac- 
ter not  admitting  of  a  postponement,  will  prevent  my  doing  so. 

I  regret  this  privation  the  more,  because  the  social  enjoy- 
ment would  be  heightened  by  the  fact  of  a  deep  conviction  on 
my  mind,  that  these  interchanges  of  Masonic  visits  are  but  the 
harbingers  of  a  renewal,  not  only  of  social,  but  of  conunercial 
and  political  relations,  and  the  dawn  of  a  day  of  general  recon- 
ciliation ;  and  a  revival  of  the  feelings  of  the  good  old  times, 
when,  side  by  side,  Massachusetts  and  Virginia  stood  shoulder 
to  shoulder,  and  battled  in  a  common  cause,  for  a  common 
weal.  Within  the  borders  of  the  one  State  was  first  pro- 
claimed "Liberty  or  Death,"  and  the  other  was  the  first  to 
resist  the  tyrant's  will. 

Fanaticism  may  have,  for  a  time,  alienated  our  feelings,  and 
weakened  the  chain  which  binds  us  together,  but  I  trust  in 
God  not  a  link  may  be  broken.  It  will  add  another  sparkling 
jewel  in  the  diadem  of  Masonry,  if  upon  her  platform,  which 
in  religion  and  politics  leaves  free  and  untrammelled  the 
human  will,  a  political  millennium  should  take  place. 

I  pray  you,  present  my  most  hearty  and  cordial  greetings 
to  our  visiting  Sh'  Knights  of  the  North  ;  for  welcome,  thrice 
welcome,  are  they   in  Old  Virginia. 

ISIav  your  efforts  of  hospitality  be  as  successful  as  you  de- 
sire ;  it  wall  then  be  a  week  long  to  be  remembered ;  and 
should  you  succeed  in  doing  unto  them  as  they  did  unto  you, 
then,  as  you  have  said  and  sung  of  the  Old  Bay  State,  may  they 
on  their  retvu-n  have  cause,  as  I  am  sure  they  will  feel  inclined, 
to  sing, 

"  0,  caiTv  me  back  to  Old  Vh'ginia, 
To  Old  Virginia's  shore." 

Truly  and  fraternally  yours, 

JOHN  ROBIN  JIcDANIEL. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  127 

JOHX   H.    SHEPPARD-S   LETTER. 

Boston,  May  13,  1859. 

Sir  Knights,  —  The  inconvenience  of  absence  from  home 
will  excuse  me,  I  trust,  for  not  uniting  with  the  De  Molay  En- 
campment in  their  delightful  visit  to  the  Knights  of  Richmond  ; 
but  I  s}'mpathize  -with  you  on  this  joyous  occasion. 

The  visit  of  our  Virginia  fi-iends  on  the  festival  of  the  Holy 
St.  John  last  year,  and  the  briUiant  display  of  two  Encamp- 
ments, representing  the  North  and  South,  as  they  stood  on  the 
heights  of  Bunker  HiU  beneath  the  great  obelisk,  will  lon<>-  be 
remembered,  and  the  associations  of  that  day  laid  up  as  a  sweet 
memorial  in  the  archives  of  memory. 

Your  visit  to  Richmond,  —  to  the  State  where  our  good  and 
illustrious  brother,  the  Father  of  his  Country,  was  born,  and 
where  his  tomb  hallows  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  —  will 
awaken  no  less  sacred  and  glorious  reminiscences.  Mav  we 
not  believe  that  his  spirit  still  hovers  over  the  land,  and  is 
anxious  as  ever  to  preserve  inviolate  that  Uniox,  of  which  he 
once  said,  "  Frown  indignantly  upon  the  first  dawning  of  any 
attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  country  fi-om  the  rest "  ? 

Virginia  and  Massachusetts  have  still  the  same  great  and 
common  interest  to  preserve  the  unity  and  integrity  of  our  re- 
public, which  they  nobly  felt  in  the  Revolution  ;  and  if  danger 
ever  threatens  us  from  abroad,  may  we  not  realize  the  pro- 
phetic minstrelsy  of  an  American  poet  of  the  last  century? 

'•  Should  the  tempcf^t  of  war  overshadow  our  hmd. 
Its  bolt  ne'er  can  rend  Freedom's  temple  asunder; 
For  bold  at  its  portal  would  AVashixgton  stand, 
And  repulse  with  his  breast  tlie  assault  of  the  tlminler. 
His  sword  from  the  sleep 
Of  his  scabbard  would  leap. 
And  conduct  every  flash  with  its  point  to  the  deep." 

I  offer  a  sentiment,  wliich  is  at  your  disposal. 

Ancient  Craft  ifasonri/  and  True  Patriotism :  Always  unit- 
ed.    It  was  so  in  the  days  of  old,  —  revived  again  in  the  Cru- 


128  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRGKIA 

sades,  —  and  ever  will  be  so  in  our  own  country,  wMle  the 
chivalry  of  the  North  and  South  stand  faithful  to  their  trust, 
as  guardians  of  the  Union. 

Fraternally,  with  respect, 

JOHN  H.  SEEPPAKD. 

Wm.  Parkmax,  Esq.,  Commander  of  the  De  Malay 
Encampment. 

THOS.   P.  LAMBERT'S  LETTER. 

CharlestoTNTi,  Mass.,  May  18, 1859. 
Sir  Knights  and  Brothers  :  — 

There  are  many  considerations  which  made  me  desirous  to 
accompany  the  De  Molay  Encampment  to  Virginia.  Apart 
from  meeting  the  Sir  Knights  of  the  Richmond  Commandery, 
I  should  have  had  the  pleasure  of  taking  by  the  hand  some 
old  and  valued  friends.  It  has  been  my  privilege  to  visit 
many  parts  of  the  world ;  but  nowhere  have  I  found  more 
genuine  hospitahty  than  in  the  Old  Dominion.  Twice  I  have 
sailed  from  her  shores  for  foreign  lands,  and  thrice  they  have 
been  the  first  to  greet  my  eyes  after  protracted  absence  ;  and 
I  always  found  the  Masonic  party  "  to  accompany  me  unto  the 
ship,"  and  to  welcome  my  return. 

But  Virginia  hospitality  is  not  confined  to  her  shores :  I 
have  met  it  in  a  foreign  land,  and  at  the  hands  of  one  of  her 
most  distinguished  sons.  I  refer  to  our  Masonic  brother,  her 
present  most  excellent  chief  magistrate,  whose  valor  and 
patriotism  were  tested  on  more  than  one  occasion  while  ^lin- 
ister  to  the  land  of  Brazil.  Should  the  occasion  ofier,  please 
give  the  following  sentiment :  — 

His  Excellency  Henry  A.  Wise :  "  Suaviter  in  modo,  for- 
titer  in  re." 

Sincerely  your  friend  and  brother, 

THOS.  R.  LAMBERT. 

Sir  liJNiGiiT  Wjx.  Parkman,  Acting  Grand  Commander 
of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  of  Knights  Templars. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLABS.  129 

ROBERT  MORRIS'S   LETTER. 

Office  of  the  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Kentucky,  Louisville,  May  12,  1859.  * 

E.  H.  Gill,  *sq.,  Commander  Richmond  Commandery,  No.  2 :  — 
E.  Sir  Knight,  —  As  I  cannot  participate  with  you  in  per- 
son in  your  anticipated  pleasures  of  the  ICth  instant,  I  pray  you 
lay  before  the  devoted  band  whose  silver  crosses  will  flash  out 
genuine  passion  on  that  occasion,  my  heart-felt  prayers  for  their 
health  and  happiness.  And,  should  my  poor  name  be  named 
among  you  at  the  festive  board,  speak  for  mc  in  the  following 
sentiment :  — 

The  Knights  of  the  East  and  "West :  No  estrangement  can 
ever  separate  those  who  work  upon  the  Templar's  plan. 
Devotedly, 

ROBERT  MORRIS. 

The  first  volunteer  sentiment  was  offered  by  Sir  Knight 
R.  "W.  "Wyatt,  of  the  Richmond  Commandery  :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  of  Boston,  Mas- 
sachusetts :  May  the  recollection  of  this  visit  to  Richmond 
ever  be  as  dear  to  their  hearts  as  the  memory  of  their  Sir 
Knight,  James  De  Molay,  the  last  Grand  Master  of  the  Order 
of  Knights  Templars. 

Sir  Knight  Benjamin  Dean,  Junior  Warden  of  De 
Molay  Encampment,  responded.     He  said :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander  and  Sir  Knights,  —  "Wliilc  con- 
gratulating ourselves  upon  the  auspicious  era  in  which  we 
live,  and  while  our  noble  order  is  in  the  ascendant,  and 
while  citizens  from  all  parts  of  our  extensive  country  look 
smilingly  upon  us,  it  is  fit  and  proper  that  our  minds  should 
be  called  to  the  varied  history  of  the  past,  —  that  we  should 
not  forget  its  dark  and  bloody  pages,  while  basking  in  the 
sunshine  of  popular  favor. 
9 


130  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MRGINIA 

The  sentiment  to  -wlilcli  I  am  called  to  respond  is  not  cal- 
culated to  call  yom*  attention  to  the  brightest  pages  of  the 
ancient  historj'  of  the  Templars.  It  does  not  ask  you  to  reflect 
upon  its  singular  rise  and  progress ;  —  not  upon  those  nine 
knights,  styled  "  Poor  Fellow-Soldiers  of  Jesus  Ch^st,"  -who,  de- 
nying themselves  all  the  comforts  and  pleasures  of  life,  by  their 
valorous  deeds,  their  rigid  discipline,  and  unsui-passed  devotion 
to  the  one  great  object  of  protecting  weary  pilgrims  to  the 
Holy  Land,  acquii-ed  the  confidence  and  favor  of  the  Christian 
world ;  nor  upon  its  ranks  swollen  with  the  best  and  noblest 
blood  of  Europe,  and  its  coffers  filled  by  gifts  and  contributions 
from  kings,  princes,  and  peasants,  and  by  the  bequests  of  the 
dying  Christians  who  hastened  to  take  the  vows  of  the  Order 
the  better  to  prepare  them  to  meet  death.  I  must  say  nothing 
of  all  this. 

It  is  not  success  that  embalms  and  sanctifies,  it  is  the  blood 
of  martjTdom.  It  is  the  exultant  cry  of  the  venerable  James 
De  Molay  and  his  companions  at  the  stake,  and  not  their  war- 
like daring  and  noble  exploits,  nor  the  fame  of  their  predeces- 
sors in  arms,  which  has  given  perpetuity  and  sanctity  to  the 
name  of  the  noble  Order  of  Knights  Templars. 

James  De  Molay,  of  noble  birth,  after  acquiring  eminence 
in  the  Order  in  France,  became  Grand  Preceptor  of  England, 
and  subsequently  Grand  Master  of  the  entire  Order.  He 
entered  into  an  alliance  with  Casan  Cham,  and,  retaking  Jeru- 
salem, he  and  his  companions  in  arms  visited  the  Holy  Sepul- 
cbre  with  great  devotion,  and  celebrated  Easter  with  enthusi- 
astic rejoicings  on  Mount  Zion.  Casan  Cham  compelled  to 
return  to  his  own  country,  the  Templars  unaided  were  unable 
to  retain  possession  of  the  Holy  City,  and  met  with  a  series  of 
disasters. 

Then  it  was  that  their  great  possessions  excited  the  cupidity 
of  Philip  the  Fair  of  France,  and  their  priAileges  and  exemp- 
tions excited  the  jealousy  and  enmity  of  the  Papal  clergy. 
Philip  procured  the  election,  as  Pope,  of  Clement  V.,  a  tool  of 
his  own,  and  Cardinals  to  match.  The  Grand  Master  was 
ordered  to  return  without  retinue,  under  pretence  of  consulta- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  131 

tion  upon  the  best  means  for  tlie  recovery  of  the  Holy  Land. 
Upon  his  arrival,  he  and  his  followers  were  thrown  into  prison, 
and  after  five  years  of  incarceration  in  loathsome  dungeons, 
and  after  repeated  and  horrid  tortures,  confessions  of  infidelity 
were  extortfed  from  many  of  the  Templars. 

In  England,  even,  ecclesiastical  tortures  were  inflicted. 
Immunity  was  promised  to  those  who  confessed,  and  death  to 
the  obdurate.  It  was  not,  however,  until  after  five  years  of 
torture  in  England  and  France,  that  enough  was  extorted 
from  poor,  weak,  and  exhausted  nature  to  give  them  courage 
to  execute  their  designs. 

Then  it  was  that  the  Templars,  —  the  "  Poor  Fellow-Sol- 
diers of  Jesus  Christ,"  —  who  had  watered  the  plains  of  Pales- 
tine with  their  noble  blood,  in  the  cause  of  Christianity,  and 
whose  brethren  had  invariably,  when  taken  prisoners,  pre- 
ferred death  to  the  Koran,  —  were  convicted  of  the  foolish  and 
ridiculous  charge  of  heresy,  and  with  contempt  of  that  cross 
which  had  been  their  talisman  in  battle. 

The  Grand  Master,  De  ISIolay,  was  shown  a  confession  of 
heresy,  which  it  was  claimed  he  had  made.  "  He  stigmatized 
it  as  a  forgery,  swearing  that  if  the  Cardinals  who  had  sub- 
scribed it  had  been  of  a  different  cloth,  he  would  have  pro- 
claimed them  liars,  and  would  have  challenged  them  to  mortal 
combat."  Being  persuaded  that  he  had  indeed  made  it,  he 
advanced  to  the  edge  of  the  scaffold,  and  exclaimed  :  "  I  do 
confess  my  guUt,  which  consists  in  having,  to  my  shame  and 
dishonor,  suffered  myself,  through  the  pain  of  torture  and  fear 
of  death,  to  give  utterance  to  falsehoods,  imputing  scandalous 
sins  and  iniquities  to  an  illustrious  Order  which  nobly  served 
the  cause  of  Christianity.  I  disdain  to  seek  a  wretched  and 
disgraceful  existence  by  engrafting  another  lie  upon  the  origi- 
nal falsehood." 

We  also  have  information  from  some,  by  which  we  look 
back  upon  that  scene,  and  see  that  venerable  man  slowly 
raise  his  hand  towards  heaven  and  exclaim  to  Pope  Clement 
V.  and  Philip  the  Fair :  "  I  charge  you  to  meet  me  there  ! 
Not  at  Philippi,  in  night  and  battle  agony,  but  at  the  bar  of  God, 


132  PILGRIMAGE  TO   VIRGINIA 

under  the  blaze  of  the  Judgment  fires.  You  will  meet  me 
there,  to  answer  for  estates  confiscated,  for  tortures  inflicted, 
for  characters  traduced,  and  for  the  foul  murder  of  my 
brethren ! " 

He  was  executed  with  many  of  his  fellows,  and  the  estates 
of  the  Order  were,  for  the  most  part,  divided  among  their 
murderers. 

"  History  attests,"  says  Monsieur  Reynouard,  "  that  all  who 
were  foremost  in  the  persecution  of  the  Templars  came  to  an 
untimely  and  miserable  death,"  and  the  Pope  and  king  both 
were  called  to  answer  the  summons  of  De  Molay  within  two 
years.   What  was  the  judgment  ?  —  What  was  the  judgment  ? 

Such  was  James  De  Molay,  whose  name  our  Encampment 
proudly  bears.  But  it  is  not  our  property  alone.  It  is  equally 
yours,  Sir  Knights  of  Providence  and  Richmond,  gallant  and 
true.     It  is  the  property  of  all  true  knights. 

His  name  still  lives,  bright  in  all  its  primitive  beauty  and 
loveliness,  to  excite,  as  in  the  days  of  his  greatest  glory,  that 
spirit  of  refined  and  moral  chivalry  which  should  prompt 
us  to  press  onward  in  the  cause  of  truth  and  justice,  and  stimu- 
late us  to  exertion  in  behalf  of  the  destitute  and  the  oppressed, 

—  to  wield  the  sword,  if  need  be,  when  pure  and  undefiled 
Religion  calls  us  in  her  defence,  and  in  a  brother's  cause  to  do 
all  that  may  become  men. 

The  name  of  James  De  Molay  is  indeed  dear  to  us  all ;  so 
too  will  be  these  first  crusades  of  peace  and  love,  from  Rich- 
mond to  Boston  and  Providence,  and  from  Boston  and  Prov- 
idence to  Richmond.  The  memory  of  one  is  dear  because  of 
his  sufierings ;  of  the  other,  because  of  its  rejoicings.  The 
former  is  of  the  last  Crusade  by  the  last  of  our  ancient  breth- 
ren to  the  Holy  Land ;  the  latter,  of  the  first  crusades  to  the 
holy  spots  of  the  New  World.  While  one  opens  a  dark  and 
gloomy  page,  the  other  opens  a  page  beaming  all  over  with 
the  bright  jewels  of  plighted  friendship,  sincere  affection,  and 
unbounded  hospitality.    May  these  pages  never  be  obliterated, 

—  no,  njr  e^en  clouded  by  the  slightest  spot  or  blemish! 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  133 

Sir  Knight  James  Sliriglej,  of  Richmond,  gave  :  — 

Our  principles,  virtue  and  charity,  —  regardless  of  sect, 
clime,  or  race  :  These  teach  us  to  rejoice  in  the  existence  of 
every  institution  where  the  magic  spell  of  party  and  sectional 
names  is  shorn  of  a  portion  of  its  power. 

In  response  to  this  sentiment,  Sir  Knight  Commander 
Parkman,  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  responded  briefly 
and  eloquently.  On  this  occasion,  as  in  all  the  frequent 
calls  made  upon  him,  he  had  the  right  word  to  say,  and 
his  genial  manner  and  enthusiastic  language  won  the 
hearts  of  all  who  listened  to  him.  He  concluded  with 
this  sentiment :  — 

The  sons  of  Virginia  and  Massachusetts :  The  eldest  sons 
achieved  our  independence  by  their  patriotism ;  may  the 
younger  brothers  appreciate  and  preserve  our  glorious  heritage 
by  the  interchange  of  knightly  courtesy  and  hospitality. 

Sir  Knight  Dr.  John  A.  Cummings,  Treasurer  of  De 
Molay  Encampment,  responded  to  a  call  in  the  following 
remarks  :  — 

Most  Eminent  Grand  Commander,  —  I  am  glad  that  I  have 
been  permitted  to  enjoy  the  privilege  of  being  here  to-night, 
because  I  love  Masonry.  I  love  it  for  its  principles  of  love, 
union,  and  charity.  Charity,  without  which  the  loudest  pro- 
fessions are  but  sounding  brass  ;  —  Cliarity,  which  covereth  a 
multitude  of  sins; —  Charity,  wliich,  knowing  that  "to  err  is 
human,  to  forgive  divine,"  throws  its  broad  and  warm  mantle 
over  the  tempted  and  the  fallen;  —  Charity, which  sufTcreth 
long  and  is  kind,  is  Masonry ;  —  and  for  this  I  love  it. 

But,  Sir,  I  see  new  reasons  for  appreciating  our  Order 
to-night.  I  recollect  the  remarks  of  my  worthy  and  esteemed 
friend,  Sir  Knight  Crenshaw,  when  in  Boston,  where  we  had 
the  pleasure  of  welcoming  you  to  our  hearts,  our  hosi)italilics, 
and  our  homes.     He  said,  substantially,  this  :  — 


134  PILGEIMAGE  TO   MRGINIA 

"  If,  Sir,  I  were  able,  in  appropriate  terms,  to  ttank  you  for 
the  kindness  that  you  and  your  Commandery  have  heaped 
upon  ours,  some,  when  I  return  home,  might  tell  me  that  I  had 
dealt  in  fancy.  If  I  were  to  relate,  on  arriving  at  home,  how 
we  have  been  received,  how  we  have  been  welcomed,  how  we 
have  been  embraced  as  brothers,  nothing  but  its  being  the 
word  of  a  Knight  Templar  would  induce  them  to  believe  it. 
I  am  glad  I  came  to  Boston.  I  am  glad  my  companions  came 
to  Boston.  I  feel,  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  that  it  is  good 
for  us  all. 

"  I  am  proud  of  the  fact  that  the  Knights  Templars  of  be- 
loved old  Virginia  have  paid  a  longer  pilgrimage  for  the  inter- 
change of  fraternal  feelings,  than  any  other  association  of  any 
kind  in  this  country  has  ever  heretofore  made.  A\Tiy,  sir,  if 
the  days  of  the  persecution  of  Masonry  were  here  again,  might 
I  not  appeal  to  this  pilgrimage  alone,  if  I  could  point  to  no 
other  instance  of  the  good  it  has  accomplished,  and  does  ac- 
complish, and  be  entitled  to  claim  from  all  philanthropists 
a  wreath  of  glory  with  which  to  adorn  its  time-honored  head  ?  " 

Sir,  I  feel  thankful  this  day  for  the  privilege  of  responding 
to  those  generous  sentiments.  Here,  on  the  proud  soil  of  "  Old 
Virginia,"  the  mother  of  Presidents  and  heroes  and  states- 
men, whose  names  I  need  not  mention,  for  they  are  written 
deeply  in  the  hearts  of  all  their  grateful  countrymen,  —  here 
it  is  good  for  us  all  to  be.  Like  Peter,  of  old,  I  would  build 
three  tabernacles ;  one  for  Boston,  one  for  Virginia,  and  one 
for  that  common  heritage,  —  dear,  however  bounded,  to  every 
true  American  heart,  —  our  own,  our  native  land  ! 

It  may  be,  that  Masonry  is  yet  to  win  her  proudest  tri- 
umphs, and  deck  her  diadem  with  its  brightest  jewels,  on 
American  soil.  For  while  poUticians  contend,  and  men  are 
swayed  this  way  and  that  by  conflicting  tides  of  interest  and 
passion.  Masonic  brothers  can  everywhere  "  meet  on  the  level, 
and  part  on  the  square."  And  while  we  would  disdain  the 
thought  of  degrading  our  Order  to  the  low  uses  of  the  parti- 
san, or  the  schemes  of  the  demagogue,  yet  may  we  not  hope 
that  its  higher  sentiment,  pervading  the  hearts  of  true  men  all 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAES.  135 

over  our  land,  —  that  sentiment  which  brings  the  North  and 
South  together  in  fraternal  love  to-night,  —  I  say,  may  we 
not  hope  that  that  sentiment  will  so  radiate  from  our  mystic 
lights,  as  to  teach  men,  that  "  a  man  's  a  man "  after  all, 
whether  a  Southern  sun  has  scorched  him,  or  a  Northern  blast 
has  chilled  him,  —  that  a  "  good  fellow  "  belongs  to  no  State  or 
Institution,  but  is  a  citizen  of  the  wide,  wide  world,  —  thus 
causing  us  to  forget  the  local  prejudices  under  which  we  are 
born  and  bred,  to  rally  under  the  same  flag,  and  stand  ready 
to  defend  it,  together,  and  to  the  last  ? 

I  give  you  then  as  a  sentiment :  — 

Political  Masonry :  Spurning  the  partisan,  the  sectionalist, 
and  the  demagogue,  yet  silently  teaching  those  eternal  prin- 
ciples of  union,  charity,  and  brotherly  love,  which  are  the 
foundation  of  our  government,  and  the  glorj"  of  our  land. 

Sir  Kniglit  F.  J.  Boggs,  of  Richmond,  gave  :  — 

The  De  Molay  and  the  St.  John's  Encampments  :  From  the 
specimens  we  witness  here,  the  one  must  come  from  a  Boss-town, 
and  the  other  must  be  the  peculiar  growth  of  Providence. 

Sir  Knight  J.  J.  "Whiting,  Standard-Bearer  of  De 
Molay  Encampment,  was  called  upon  to  edify  the  com- 
pany, and  in  lieu  of  a  speech  he  gave  an  original  song, 
whicli  he  sang  with  excellent  taste  and  a  fine,  voice.  The 
following  is  one  stanza  of  the  song :  — 

"  Say  not  that  cliivahy  lias  flown  — 
Claims  we  never  can  disown  — 
Here  is  our  treasured  Palestine  ; 

Virginia  in  her  bosom  keeps 
One  cver-eherislied  sacred  shrine, 

Where  Washington,  the  mighty,  sleeps  ! 
Befitting  aim  for  Knights'  devoir  ; 

And  we,  as  Paladins  most  true, 
Vow,  from  this  moment,  more  and  more 

To  keep  our  holy  land  in  view." 


136  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

Sir  Knight  John  H.  Bosher,  of  Richmond,  propounded 
the  following,  which  elicited  tremendous  applause  :  — 

The  Ladies  of  New  England  who  accompanied  our  brother 
Knights  from  Boston  and  Providence  in  their  first  pilgi'image 
from  the  East :  May  our  efforts  to  contribute  to  their  pleasure 
induce  them  to  make  repeated  pilgrimages,  although  they  may 
be  accompanied  by  only  a  single  Sir  Knight. 

Sir  Knight  F.  J.  Boggs  gave  the  following :  — 

The  visiting  Ladies  of  Boston  and  Providence :  Their  pres- 
ence Is  as  grateful  as  their  smiles,  and  all  calculated  to  Inspire 
the  hearts  of  the  Sir  Knights  of  Richmond. 

Sir  Knight  "W.  B,  Fowle,  of  De  Molay  Encampment, 
"  set  the  table  in  a  roar  "  by  a  speech  full  of  wit,  and 
pertinent  allusions  to  events  of  the  pilgrimage  of  his 
brother  Sir  Knights  to  Virginia.  He  gave  the  following 
sentiment :  — 

John  P.  Ballard,  our  host :  His  till  (of  fare)  for  internal 
improvements  needs  no  amendments,  and  agrees  with  the  con- 
stitution. 

This  brought  out  Sir  Knight  John  P.  Ballard,  proprie- 
tor of  the  Ballard  House  and  the  Exchange  Hotel,  who 
acknowledged  the  compliment,  gratefully  and  gracefully, 
and  gave  the  following  sentiment :  — 

The  Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay  and  St.  John's  Encamp- 
ments :  In  unity,  friendship,  and  brotherly  love,  their  conduct 
will  ever  convince  the  world  that  they  dwell  in  light. 

The  following  was  offered  by  Sir  Knight  P.  A.  Ames, 
of  Boston :  — 

The  true  Sir  Knight :  He  who  in  the  battle  of  life  forgets 
not  the  motto,  Magna  est  Veritas,  et  prevalehit. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEJIPLARS.  137 

0.  Jennings  Wise,  of  the  Richmond  Enquirer,  gave  :  — 

The  Sir  Knights  of  New  England :  Whenever  they  visit 
our  Southern  cities,  may  their  reception  be  such  as  will  enable 
them  to  take  a  retrospective  view  of  the  visit  with  pleasure 
and  good-will. 

Sir  Knight  A.  S.  Eddy,  Senior  Warden  of  St.  John's 
Encampment,  made  an  enthusiastic  speech,  in  which  he 
declared  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  destroy  this 
Union,  for  Old  Virginia  would  hold  in  check  the  dis- 
unionists  both  North  and  South. 

Quite  a  number  of  choice  spirits  held  their  positions  at 
the  tables  until  "  the  morn,  with  russet  mantle  clad," 
warned  them  to  retire,  and  the  effervescent  and  sparkling 
flow  of  wit  and  eloquence  ended  at  a  quarter  past  three 
o'clock. 


138  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \aKOIXIA 


CHAPTER     VIII. 


The  Pilgrims  visit  Ashland.  —  A  Jockey  Club  Eeceptiox 
AND  Dinner. — A  Panorama,  Illumination,  and  other  Fes- 
tivities IN  the  Evening. 


On  Wednesday  morning,  the  third  day  of  the  sojourn 
of  the  pilgrim.  Knights  in  Eichmond,  there  were  vari- 
ous movements  about  the  Exchange  Hotel  and  Ballard 
House  which  denoted  their  temporary  departure  from 
the  city.  They  were  awakened,  diu'ing  a  heavy  shower 
of  rain,  from  their  rose-colored  dreams  of  the  banquet, 
and  warned  to  prepare  themselves  for  a  new  series  of 
festivities  and  enjoyments.  When  breakfast  had  been 
despatched,  they  were  summoned  to  put  themselves  in 
readiness  for  a  trip  to  Ashland,  where  a  handsome  vil- 
lage, composed  princijjally  of  the  habitations  of  Richmond 
gentlemen,  has  grown  up  near  the  "  Slashes,"  celebrated 
as  the  place  of  Henry  Clay's  nativity.  A  fine  race- 
course is  located  near  the  Ashland  Depot,  where  the 
favorite  pastime  of  Virginia  gentlemen  is  indulged  in, 
and  the  Ashland  Jockey  Club  had  extended  an  invitation 
to  the  Sir  Knights  to  partake  of  their  hospitalities  upon 
the  ground. 

The  Templars  responded  gallantly  to  the  call,  and 
about  ten  o'clock  the  three  Commanderies,  with  their 
bands  of  music,  formed   at  the    Exchange    Hotel,  and 


OF  THE  KIv^IGHTS  TEMPLARS.  139 

marched  up  Main  Street,  to  Ninth  Street,  and  proceeded 
to  the  Depot  of  the  Richmond,  Fredericksburg,  and  Poto- 
mac Railroad. 

The  column  attracted  much  attention  as  it  moved 
through  the  streets,  and  there  were  many  sparkling  eyes 
peeping  from  the  dwellings  of  the  citizens  when  the 
music  announced  the  approach  of  the  Sir  Knights. 

At  eleven  o'clock  they  took  a  special  train,  provided 
for  their  accommodation,  and  were  whirled  rapidly  along 
to  Ashland,  fifteen  miles  distant  from  Richmond.  The 
road  passes  through  a  rich  and  pleasant  district,  and  the 
Templars  beguiled  the  time  for  a  part  of  the  way  by  hold- 
ing a  mock  trial  of  one  of  their  number,  in  which  the 
defence  commenced  the  case,  and  all  the  established  forms 
of  judicial  proceedings  were  reversed.  This  amusing 
affair  lasted  until  the  train  reached  Ashland. 

On  alighting  from  the  cars  the  New  England  Sir 
Knights  were  escorted  by  the  Richmond  Commandery 
into  the  gi'ounds  belonging  to  the  Jockey  Club.  When 
they  had  passed  into  the  enclosure,  the  Commanderies 
were  drawn  up  in  line,  and  Commander  Gill  addressed 
them  as  follows  :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  De  IMola}-,  St.  John's,  and  Richmond  Com- 
manderies, — I  rejoice  that  I  can  retire  from  the  duties  devolved 
upon  me,  to  give  place  to  Colonel  Robinson,  who  not  only  has 
charge  of  the  ii'on  horse,  but  the  iron  wheel  against  wliich 
Governor  Wise  cautioned  you.  Therefore  I  surrender  my 
command  to  an  abler  and  a  better  man,  who  is  more  compe- 
tent to  discharge  the  hospitalities  than  myself. 

Turning  to  Colonel  Edwin  Robinson,  President  of  the 
Richmond,  Fredericksburg,  and  Potomac  Railway  Com- 
pany, he  said :  — 


140  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

Sir,  I  know  that  you  are  strongly  armed  witli  mint-juleps 
and  Champagne  in  yonder  tent,  that  it  would  be  in  vain 
to  contend  with  you,  and  beg  leave,  without  further  parley, 
to  resign  my  conamand  into  your  experienced  and  able 
hands. 

Colonel  Robinsoa  then  welcomed  the  Sir  Knights  in 
the  following  language :  — 

Sir  EJiights  of  Boston  and  Providence,  and  of  the  Richmond 
Commandery,  —  The  position  assigned  me  by  Grand  Command- 
er Sir  E.  H.  Gill,  as  your  leader,  cannot  be  declined  on  my 
part,  notwithstanding  it  is  fraught  with  danger  and  responsibil- 
ity. In  common  with  his  Command,  and  indeed  all  present,  I 
cannot  but  regret  that  one  who  for  knightly  deeds  has  a  nar 
tional  fame,  —  who,  to  advance  the  Cross,  and  destroy  the  Cres- 
cent, would  "  any  deed  of  daring  do,'*  —  should  encounter  any 
enemy  before  which  his  stout  hands  and  strong  arms  should  quail. 
But,  my  friends,  such  is  not  now  the  case.  The  enemy  who  in 
secret  ambush  lies  beneath  yonder  canopy,  and  over  which  its 
blood-red  flag  is  waving,  in  the  strength  of  its  pride,  is  one 
which  knows  no  mercy  in  its  warfare.  The  young  and  the  old, 
the  good  and  the  great,  have  fallen  before  it ;  and  your  gallant 
Commander  has  the  discretion  to  bow  to  fate.  It  is  true  that 
in  the  vigor  of  life,  when  hope  was  full,  and  daring  high  within 
him,  he  often  met  this  enemy  ;  but,  warned  by  the  approaches 
of  age,  and  the  fact  that  in  his  late  encounters  the  enemy  had 
him  on  the  hip,  and  that  he  barely  escaped  with  life,  he  cannot 
reconcile  it  to  a  sense  of  the  duty  due  from  him  to  the  gallant 
force  under  him,  to  hazard  their  fate  by  a  probable  fall  of  their 
gallant  Commander ;  and  therefore  he  is  willing  to  \^ive  the 
chance  of  further  laurels  for  his  brow,  rather  than  encounter 
the  fatal  blow,  which  by  his  fall  would  certainly  ensue.  He 
has,  therefore,  designated  me,  around  whom  hangs  the  prestige 
of  victory  over  the  enemy  before  you,  and,  acting  on  principles 
of  duty,  I  cannot  decline  the  position. 

For  your  comfort,  and  to  nerve  you  for  the  contest,  gentle- 


OF   THE  KNHGHTS   TEMPLAES.  141 

men,  I  -nill  say,  apart  from  any  egotism,  that  I  liave  never  yet 
been  known  to  yield  to  the  relentless  foe  before  you.  It  is 
true  that  I  have  been  seen  to  stagger,  and  sometimes  to  reel, 
but  in  no  prostrate  condition  have  I  been  yet  found,  but  ever 
with  my  face  to  the  enemy  have  seemed  to  yield.  Unlike  the 
cowardly  priest,  who,  in  exhorting  his  soldiers  of  the  cross,  pre- 
vious to  the  fight,  told  them  to  remember  that  all  who  fell  in 
battle  would  sup  in  heaven,  yet  was  the  first  to  flee  from  the 
scene,  and,  when  called  to  and  reminded  of  the  invocation,  re- 
marked that  all  who  knew  him  knew  that  he  never  liked  supper, 
I  shall  go  with  you  at  supper  time,  and  aye  at  dinner  time  too. 
I  have  now,  my  brethren,  said  all  that  I  can  say  to  nerve  you 
for  the  contest  before  you.  I  will  only  further  remark,  that, 
after  the  first  flush  of  excitement  is  over,  there  will  be  every 
stimulant  before  you  for  the  continuance  of  the  contest,  and 
the  perseverance  in  it  will  richly  reward  your  efforts.  It  is 
possible,  ay,  more  than  probable,  that  some  of  you,  if  not  all, 
will  bite  the  ground.  If  such  should  be  the  case,  I  promise 
you,  one  and  all,  knightly  burial,  and  that  green  and  fragrant 
mint  will  flourish  and  bloom  above  your  graves.  Perhaps,  too, 
in  after  years,  some  patriot  spirit,  like  Old  Mortality,  will 
wander  where  you  fell,  and  raise  a  monument  like  that  which 
illustrates  the  gallant  deeds  of  Leonidas  and  his  Spartan  band 
of  Thermopylae,  and  like  them  will  bear  in  future  ages  the  in- 
scription, "  Go,  stranger,  and  tell  your  countrymen,  that  in 
obedience  to  their  command,  and  in  an  assault  on  one  of  the 
peculiar  institutions  of  Virginia,  wc  fell."  I  wLU  say  no  more, 
the  enemy  is  before  you.  Sound,  bugles,  sound.  On,  brave 
Knights,  to  the  charge,  and  victory  is  yours. 

There  was  an  irresistible  humor  in  the  manner  of  Colo- 
nel Robinson,  and  the  Sir  Knights  most  joyfully  placed 
themselves  under  his  leadership.  The  bupjlcs  sounded  and 
the  company  marched  into  a  large  pavilion  to  meet' the 
"enemy."  The  first  thing  that  met  the  eye  within  the 
tent  was  the  great  punch-bowl,  belonging  to  the  Ashland 


142  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGD«A 

Jockey  Club,  which  has  a  capacity  of  forty-five  gallons. 
It  is  oval  in  form,  made  of  iron,  lined  with  porcelain,  and 
decorated  upon  the  outside  with  racing  scenes,  in  relief. 
This  bowl  was  filled  with  the  remedy  recommended  by 
the  wise  man  for  him  "  that  is  ready  to  perish."  Forty- 
five  gallons  of  mint,  concocted  with  all  the  cunning  of  the 
greatest  adept  in  such  medicines  in  all  Richmond,  blushed 
within  the  huge  bowl,  and  on  each  side  of  it  were  tables 
covered  with  that  which  was  prescribed  long  ago  for 
"  him  that  is  heavy  of  heart." 

Some  time  was  spent  in  the  pavilion  in  repairing  the 
damages  to  the  constitutions  of  the  Sir  Knights  incurred 
in  their  ride  from  Richmond,  and  then  they  examined  the 
race-course  and  its  various  buildings.  The  track  is  per- 
fectly level,  and  the  grounds  are  amply  provided  with 
buildings  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  spectators 
who  assemble  to  witness  the  races. 

It  was  announced,  soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Com- 
manderies,  that  the  race  which  had  been  advertised  for 
that  afternoon  —  a  three-mile  race  between  some  of  the 
best  horses  of  the  South  —  must  be  postponed,  because 
the  showers  of  the  previous  night  and  morning  had  ren- 
dered the  track  unfit  for  racing.  This  was  a  disappoint- 
ment to  many  of  the  Sir  Knights  from  New  England,  who 
had  never  witnessed  an  exhibition  of  the  powers  of  the 
noble-blooded  racing  stock  of  Old  Virginia. 

The  bands,  Gilmore's  and  Green's,  occupied  the  judges' 
stand,  and  played  in  succession  some  of  their  finest  airs, 
for  the  entertainment  of  the  spectators  who  had  gathered 
to  witness  the  race.  In  the  mean  time  the  "  enemy  "  in 
the  .pavilion  held  out  obstinately,  and,  although  he  inflict- 
ed no  wounds  upon  the  attacking  party,  he  manifested  no 
disposition  to  yield.     The  Richmond  Templars  and  their 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS  TEIIPLAES.  I43 

guests  carried  on  the  war  bravely  and  skilfully,  and 
showed  in  the  protracted  contest  that  they  were  not  de- 
ficient in  either  force  or  strategy.  The  conflict  was 
protracted  until  three  o'clock,  at  which  time  the  Knights 
came  off  victorious,  and,  at  the  roll  of  the  drum,  formed 
into  column  and  mai'ched  to  dinner,  leaving  the  "  enemy  " 
discomfited  and  forlorn  in  his  tent. 

The  spacious  area  under  the  grand  stand  was  used  as  a 
dming-hall,  and  the  extensive  tables  were  loaded  with 
substantial  and  luxurious  fare.  Although  this  was  called 
a  plana  country  dinner  by  the  gentlemen  who  provided 
it,  the  edibles  were  profuse  in  quantity,  and  excellent  in 
quality.  The  appropriation  of  the  sohd  elements  of  the 
feast  was  accompanied  by  a  lively  and  continuous  popping 
of  Champagne,  —  a  sort  oi  feu  de  joie  in  honor  of  the  vic- 
tory so  lately  achieved  over  the  "  enemy  in  ambuscade  " 
in  the  tent,  which  had  been  so  recently  thrown  into  dis- 
order, routed,  and  defeated. 

Colonel  Robinson  presided  at  the  tables,  and  when  the 
cloth  was  removed  he  called  upon  several  gentlemen,  who 
responded  with  pleasant,  impromptu,  informal  speeches 
and  sentiments. 

Castine  White,  Esq.,  on  behalf  of  the  Ashland  Jockey 
Club,  of  which  he  is  Vice-President,  addressed  the  Sir 
Knights  in  a  speech  of  welcome  to  Ashland  and  to  the 
grounds  under  the  jui'isdiction  of  the  Club. 

Marmadukc  Johnson,  Esq.,  a  young  lawyer  of  Rich- 
mond, son  of  the  late  Wm.  R.  Johnson,  celebrated  for  his 
princely  patronage  of  the  turf,  and  his  efforts  in  raising 
the  blood  horses  of  Virginia  to  a  high  standard  of  excel- 
lence, was  called  out,  and  made  a  speech  full  of  the  fire 
of  eloquence. 


144  PILGRIMAGE  TO  ^^IlGINIA 

He  said  lie  was  not  a  Mason  or  a  KJnight  Templar,  but  if  he 
understood  rightly  the  principles  of  the  Order,  it  was  eminent- 
ly worthy  of  all  the  regard  his  fellow-citizens  could  bestow 
upon  it.  He  joined  in  the  welcome  extended  to  the  Templars 
from  New  England  with  all  his  heart.  "WTiy  should  they  not 
feel  welcome  ?  They  had  been  received  with  open  arms  and 
hearts  by  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  by  the  civil  authorities  of 
the  cities  of  Virginia,  by  men  of  learning,  by  the  preachers  of 
religion,  by  the  ladies,  —  by  everybody. 

He  reminded  them  that  they  stood  upon  holy  ground.  They 
were  on  a  sacred  soil.  They  trod  the  native  soil  beneath  the 
native  skies  of  Patrick  Henry  and  Henry  Clay.  Their  eyes 
rested  on  the  same  trees  and  fields  and  streams,  and  he  could 
only  say  that  the  heart  which  cannot  beat  with  lively  emotions 
in  the  land  of  Patrick  Henry  and  Henry  Clay,  was  unworthy 
of  an  American  bosom. 

He  had  visited  Boston  and  Bunker  Hill,  and  his  bosom,  as 
he  trod  that  sacred  soil,  was  filled  with  the  holiest  emotions 
of  patriotism,  —  emotions  to  which  he  knew  all  present  would 
respond  with  their  whole  hearts.  He  felt  inspu-ed  to  speak  to 
the  Sir  Knights  in  the  name  of  his  own  State,  and  bid  them 
welcome,  thrice  welcome,  to  Virginia.  He  felt  sure,  and  was 
glad,  that  there  are  men  in  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  Virginia, 
who  would,  if  necessary,  in  defence  of  this  glorious  Union  and 
the  Constitution  which  binds  it  together,  draw  their  swords, 
throw  away  their  scabbards,  and  take  their  last  look  upon 
the  sun ! 

In  conclusion  lie  gave  this  sentiment :  — 

Massachusetts  and  Virginia :  Two  souls  with  but  a  single 
thought,  —  two  hearts  that  beat  as  one. 

The  above  is  but  a  brief  sketch  of  Mi'.  Jolinson's  speech, 
the  sentiments  of  which,  and  his  impassioned  style  of  ora- 
tory, created  immense  enthusiasm  in  the  company.  TThen 
he  concluded,  several  rushed  to  him,  and  shook  his  hands 
vehemently. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  145 

When  the  hand-shaking  and  cheering  were  ended,  Sir 
Knight  Joseph  Mayo,  Mayor  of  Richmond,  being  called 
up,  made  one  of  those  spirited  and  effective  speeches  for 
which  he  is  famous  in  Virginia  on  social  and  pubUc  occa- 
sions. He  closed  with  a  sentiment  in  honor  of  Queen 
Victoria,  with  a  view  to  call  out  Her  Majesty's  Consul 
for  Richmond,  but  that  gentleman  was,  unfortunately, 
absent. 

Colonel  Robinson  proposed  the  following :  — 

The  Boston  Yankees  of  Revolutionary  Times:  They  sac- 
rificed their  tea,  but  they  saved  the  Union. 

Brother  A.  O.  Brewster  was  called  upon  to  respond  to 
this  toast,  but  not  being  present.  Sir  Knight  G.  "W. 
Churchill,  of  Boston,  answered  the  call.     He  said  :  — 

It  is.  with  diffidence  that  I  rise  to  say  a  few  words  in  response, 
to  your  summons.  I  am  no  orator,  like  Brutus,  and  if  I  were,  I 
should  stUi  suffer  from  diffidence  after  the  eloquent  addresses 
of  I^Ir.  Johnson  and  others,  who  have  so  cordially  and  warmly 
welcomed  us  here.  Especially  do  I  feel  inclined  to  remain  silent, 
since  we  have  been  reminded  in  such  touching  language  that 
our  feet  "  stand  on  holy  ground."  Holy  ground  ?  Yea,  ground 
sanctified  and  hallowed  in  the  hearts  of  all  true  Americans  as 
the  birthplace  of  that  noble  man,  that  eloquent  orator,  eminent 
statesman,  patriot,  and  counsellor,  Henry  Clay,  —  the  immortal 
Henry  Clay,  the  "  mill-boy  of  the  Slashes," — as  well  known  and 
beloved  while  he  lived,  and  as  deeply  deplored  in  death,  in  New 
England  as  in  Old  Virginia.  Although  I  differed  from  him  on 
some  of  the  leading  questions  of  the  times,  I  am  proud  here 
to-day,  upon  this  sacred  spot,  to  bear  testimony  to  his  patriot- 
ism, honesty,  and  sincerity. 

I  will  not  attempt  to  make  a  speech  on  this  occasion,  but 

only  to  express,  in  the  few  feeble  words  at  my  command,  the 

pleasure  and  personal  gratification  I  have  experienced  from 

the  first  moment  I  jjlaccd  my  feet  upon  the  soil  of  tliis  glorious 

10 


146  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIEGINIA 

old  Commonwealth.  And  now  allow  me  to  thank  you,  not 
only  in  my  own  behalf,  but  in  behalf  of  all  my  "  companions 
in  arms,"  both  those  here  present,  and  those  noble  Knights 
Templars  of  New  England  whose  representatives  we  are,  for 
the  earnest  and  honest  welcome  you  have  given  us  to  your 
hearts,  your  homes,  and  the  soil  of  the  "  Old  Dominion."  Vir- 
ginia and  hospitality  have  ever  been  in  my  mind  synonomous 
terms,  but  one  needs  to  visit  you  to  realize  the  idea  fuUy. 
Excuse  me  when  I  say  that  some  of  us  have  made  great  per- 
sonal sacrifices  to  be  here ;  that  we  came  not  merely  to  pass  a 
few  pleasant  days  with  our  brethren  of  the  "  mystic  tie  "  in 
the  interchange  of  friendly  sentiments  and  social  enjojTnent. 
We  came  to  fulfil  our  destiny  in  the  accomplishment  of  a  more 
important  mission ;  —  not  to  rescue  the  sepulchre  of  our  Master 
from  the  infidel,  to  defend  the  Christian  religion,  and  raise  the 
Cross  high  above  the  Crescent ;  but  we  came  to  meet  the  men 
of  the  South,  face  to  face,  and  exchange  views  with  them,  —  to 
increase  the  love  we  have  for  our  common  country,  and,  as  we 
draw  closer  the  cords  of  our  fraternity,  to  make  stronger  the 
bonds  of  friendship  and  brotherly  love  between  citizens  of 
different  States. 

As  Knights  Templars,  we  profess  a  belief  in  the  Deity.  We 
have  also  promised  to  be  "  good  men  and  true,"  to  "  protect 
the  innocent,  relieve  the  distressed,  and  succor  the  helpless." 
As  true  and  courteous  Knights,  we  should  also  beUeve  in  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  —  in  our  noble  and  glorious 
Union,  however  bounded,  —  in  that  national  liberty  which  com- 
prises the  liberty  of  the  conscience,  the  hberty  of  the  press, 
the  liberty  of  the  people.  In  the  promotion  of  these  principles 
we  are  here  to-day,  enjoying  your  "  disinterested  friendship 
and  unbounded  hospitality." 

Allow  me  in  conclusion  to  offer  you  this  sentiment :  — 
The  Union  of  the  States  and  of  the  People :  The  prayer  of 
the  patriot  and  the  hope  of  the  world. 

This  speech  was  received  with  cheers,  and  the  bands 
united  played  "  Auld  Lang  Syne." 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  147 

The  following  sentiment  in  honor  of  Honorable  John 
M.  Botts  was  proposed :  — 

John  M.  Botts :  He  had  rather  be  right  than  be  Presi- 
dent. 

There  were  loud  calls  for  JMr.  Botts,  but  he  had  left  the 
grounds. 

A  sentiment  complimentary  to  Colonel  Robinson  brought 
that  gentleman  to  his  feet,  and  he  made  a  speech  full  of 
generous  and  patriotic  sentiments,  concluding  with  the  fol- 
lowing :  — 

Virginia  and  New  England :  They  were  undivided  in  the 
Kevolution, — may  they  never  be  estranged  from  each  other 
in  any  futiu-e  period. 

The  De  Molay  Encampment  were  toasted,  and  their 
Commander,  Sir  Knight  Parkman,  replied  in  their  behalf, 
with  the  following  facetious  remarks :  — 

Mr.  President,  Sir  Knights,  and  Gentlemen,  —  I  am  taken 
against  my  will !  I  am  unprepared  to  speak  !  I  have  noth- 
ing to  say,  and  yet  by  force,  and  against  my  own  volition, 
I  am  placed  upon  the  top  of  this  table  and  told  to  "  go  on ! " 
—  to  "  say  something  ! "  —  to  reply  to  what  has  been  said. 
(Turning  to  the  President  imploringly).  How  can  I  speak  ? 
What  can  I  say  ?  Sir,  and  Companions,  you  behold  before 
you  one  who  landed  upon  these  shores  but  a  few  days  since, 
full  of  hope,  in  search  of  enjoyment,  and  possessing  life,  health, 
hberty,  property,  and  last,  but  not  least,  a  chosen  partner,  my 
beloved  wife.  Having  lost  all,  I  have  to-day  made  application 
to  take  out  naturalization  papers  and  become  a  citizen  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

I  find  myself  to  have  been  deprived,  one  by  one,  of  my 
hberty,  my  property,  and  to-day,  alas  !  my  wife  is  taken  from 
me ! 


148  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

Sir,  from  the  moment  we  landed  here,  "  a  set  of  fellows  in- 
stigated by  some  fell  purpose,  only  known  to  themselves,"  have 
watched  us  day  and  night.  My  personal  freedom  is  entirely 
gone  ;  I  can  neither  go  in  nor  out  but  I  am  watched.  My 
money  they  won't  take  ;  and  if  I  attempt  to  pay  for  what  I 
need,  I  am  told  my  money  won't  pass,  being  either  uncuiTent 
or  counterfeit,  and  if  I  try  again  to  pass  it,  they  threaten  me 
with  arrest. 

And  now  to-day  —  this  very  precious  horse-race  day  —  my 
cup  of  personal  misery  is  overflowed,  my  Kubicon  is  passed, 
my  crowning  misery  has  come.  This  blessed  morning,  while 
upon  the  way  here,  "  being  in  the  charge  of  my  tormentors," 
I  asked  to  be  allowed  to  move  from  my  seat  for  the  purpose  of 
finding  my  wife,  who,  I  supposed,  was  in  the  cars. 

Well,  sir,  would  you  believe  it,  one  of  these  chaps  said  to 
me,  with  a  very  threatening  look,  "  Ybw  just  sit  down  and  keep 
quiet,  or  we  '11  have  you  arrested  for  violation  of  the  statute. 
Your  wife,  with  all  the  ladies  of  the  party,  is  in  charge  of 
the  Mayor  of  Richmond ;  and  all  you  have  to  do  is  just  mind 
what  we  say,  and  do  just  what  we  tell  you." 

Well,  sir,  I  gave  it  up,  and  said  to  myself,  —  for  "  I  dared 
not  say  it  aloud,"  —  I  only  hope,  when  they  let  me  go,  they  will 
let  me  have  my  clothes,  for  that  is  all  I  have  now  left.  I  im- 
mediately made  application  to  the  Mayor  of  Richmond  for  my 
papers,  and  received  a  promise  I  shall  soon  become  a  Virginia 
citizen  ;  and  when  I  do,  I  shall  feel  free  to  speak  my  mind. 

Sir,  to  be  serious,  I  have  not  words  to  follow  either  yourself, 
or  that  silver  tongue  *  which  has  just  ceased  giving  us  such  ex- 
quisite music ;  but  as  to  the  patriotic  sentiments,  for  myself  and 
brother  Sir  Knights,  we  reciprocate  them  entirely.  And  now, 
with  your  permission,  allow  me  to  close  with  a  sentiment :  — 

The  Men  of  Virginia :  Afflicted  with  heart  complaint,  Love 
of  Union.  God  grant  it  may  prove  epidemic,  till  every  man, 
woman,  and  child,  through  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land, 
shall  become  infected  therewith. 

*  Marmaduke  Johnson,  Esq. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  149 

The  humor  of  this  speech  was  folly  appreciated,  and  it 
called  forth  an  abundance  of  laughter  and  applause. 

Providence  was  toasted,  and  Commander  Barker  made 
a  pertinent  speech,  closing  with  an  appropriate  sentiment. 
The  Providence  Band  played  "  Old  Bristol,"  a  tune 
which  is  called  the  "  national  air  of  Rhode  Island  "  in  that 
State. 

Speeches  followed  in  rapid  succession,  from  Sir  Knights 
Crenshaw  of  Richmond,  Manchester  of  Providence,  Drum- 
mond  of  New  Jersey,  and  from  General  Tyler,  Dr.  Cum- 
mings,  and  Dr.  Lewis,  of  Boston,  all  of  whom  expressed 
themselves  forcibly  and  happily,  —  reiterating  the  kind 
sentiments  which  had  been  so  freely  interchanged  between 
the  Northern  and  Southern  Templars. 

Grand  Master  Lewis  paid  a  high  compliment  to  the 
eloquence  of  Marmaduke  Johnson,  Esq.,  saying  that  he 
bowed  with  reverence  before  such  powers  of  mind  and 
such  thrilling  oratory  as  that  gentleman  had  displayed. 
He  also  gave  his  tribute  of  praise  to  the  enterprise  of  the 
Ashland  Jockey  Club,  as  manifested  in  the  arrangement 
of  the  grounds  and  the  construction  of  the  buildings  upon 
their  admirable  race-course. 

The  entertainment  by  the  Jockey  Club  was  eminently 
social  in  its  character,  while  at  the  same  time  dignity  and 
good  sense  were  paramount. 

After  the  dinner  was  over,  the  company  examined 
some  of  the  best  blooded  race-horses  of  Virginia,  which 
were  led  out  upon  the  track  for  their  inspection.  They 
were  favored,  also,  with  a  view  of  some  of  the  fine  sum- 
mer residences  of  citizens  of  Richmond  who  live  at 
Ashland.  The  mansions,  cottages,  and  grounds  denote 
the  good  taste  of  their  possessors,  who  seem  determined  to 
render  the  birthplace  of  Clay  one  of  the  most  attractive 
towns  in  Virginia. 


150  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

At  six  o'clock,  the  signal  was  given  to  return  to  Rich- 
mond, and  the  Sir  Knights  took  their  places  in  the  train, 
for  Richmond.  The  bands  enlivened  the  company  on 
their  trip  with  stirring  music,  and  on  their  arrival  the 
musicians  formed  themselves  into  a  battalion,  and  escorted 
the  Templars  to  the  Exchange  Hotel,  when  a  brief  res- 
pite was  granted  to  the  captive  "  Pilgrims." 

After  supper,  the  visiting  Knights  were  placed  under 
the  escort  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  and  marched 
to  the  hall  of  the  Mechanics'  Institute,  to  attend,  by  invi- 
tation, an  exhibition  of  a  Panorama  of  the  War  in  the 
Crimea.  The  building  of  the  Institute  was  illuminated 
in  front  with  six  thousand  candles,  and  over  the  main 
entrance  was  a  transparency,  bearing  symbols  of  Masonry 
and  Templarism,  and  the  inscriptions,  — 

"  In  hoc  signo  vinces." 
"  Virginia  welcomes  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island." 

Some  of  the  Sir  Knights,  who  did  not  choose  to  remain 
at  the  exhibition,  were  taken  in  charge  by  their  Rich- 
mond friends,  and  escorted  to  various  private  residences, 
where  they  were  greeted  with  the  same  prodigal  hospital- 
ity which  had  marked  their  public  reception  everywhere 
in  Virginia. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  column  returned  to  the  hotel, 
and  the  festivities  of  the  third  day  of  the  pilgrims  at 
Richmond  were  closed. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  151 


CHAPTER    IX. 


Grand  Dress  Parade  ob-  the  Kxights  Templars  in  Richmond. 

—  Visits  to  the  State  Capitol,  and  to  the  City  Armories. 

—  Floral  Tributes  from  the  Ladies  of  Richmond.  —  Levee 
and  B.vll  in  the  Evening. 


Ox  Thursday  morning,  the  fourth  day  after  the  arrival 
of  the  pilgrim  Templars  in  Richmond,  they  were  sum- 
moned to  prepare  for  a  grand  parade  through  the  prin- 
cipal streets  of  the  city.  The  Richmond  Commandery 
formed  at  their  "  Asylum,"  about  ten  o'clock,  and  marched 
to  the  Exchange  Hotel.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  column 
was  formed,  and  the  Sir  Knights  took  up  their  line  of 
march,  passing  through  Main  Street  and  Ninth  Street  to 
the  Capitol  Square. 

Halting  at  the  State  Capitol,  the  visiting  Knights  were 
conducted  into  the  building,  and  the  various  objects  of 
interest  therein  were  shown  to  them.  The  celebrated 
statue  of  Washington  by  Houdon,  the  French  sculptor, 
in  the  rotunda,  first  attracted  their  attention.  This  statue, 
in  marble,  was  modelled  from  the  living  subject,  and  it  is 
considered  the  most  correct  representation  of  Washington 
in  existence,  so  far  as  size,  form,  and  features  are  con- 
cerned. After  an  examination  of  this  splendid  work  of 
art,  the  Knights  visited  the  Chamber  of  the  House  of 
Delegates.     Here  they  saw  the  chair  which  was  once 


152  PILGRIMAGE  TO  VIRGINIA 

occupied  by  the  immortal  Patrick  Henry.  The  walls  of 
the  chamber  were  adorned  with  a  fine  portrait  of  Thomas 
Jefferson,  and  also  a  picture  of  Lord  Chatham,  which 
was  sent  to  Virginia  in  the  Colonial  times. 

In  the  State  Library  they  saw  some  of  the  most  valu- 
able and  interesting  documents  connected  with  the  early 
history  of  our  country,  among  which  was  a  fac-simile  of 
the  original  draft  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  A 
picture  of  Chief  Justice  Marshall  occupies  a  prominent 
position  in  this  room.  One  of  the  trophies  of  Yorktown, 
a  cannon-ball  found  on  the  battle-field,  is  there  exhibited 
as  a  solid  testimonial  of  the  determination  of  the  mother 
country  to  subjugate  the  Colonies. 

A  half-hour  was  agreeably  spent  in  examining  the 
rooms  of  the  Capitol,  and  then  the  Sir  Knights  were 
assembled  in  form  upon  the  spacious  portico  of  the  build- 
ing, which  fronts  the  South,  and  were  introduced  to  Col- 
onel Wythe  Munford,  Secretary  of  State  for  Virginia,  by 
Commander   Gill. 

Colonel  Munford  is  a  gray-haired  gentleman,  who  has 
grown  old  in  the  service  of  his  State,  but  retains  the 
vigor  and  energy  of  his  younger  days.  He  has  held  the 
office  of  Secretary  of  State  for  five  years,  and  previously 
to  his  election  to  that  post  had  been  Clerk  of  the  House 
of  Delegates  for  twenty  years. 

When  Colonel  Munford  appeared  on  the  portico,  the 
Templars  presented  arms,  and  he  addressed  them  in  elo- 
quent and  forcible  language.     He  said  :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  —  I  have 
been  very  unexpectedly  requested  to  greet  and  welcome  you 
to  the  Capitol  of  the  Old  Dominion.  I  could  have  wished  that 
the  Governor  of  the  State  had  been  here  to  perform  this  duty, 
but  we  are  content  to  know  that  he  has  done  all  in  his  power, 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAES.  153 

by  leaving  a  spirited  letter,  which  shows  you  that  Virginia's 
doors  are  open  to  welcome  yon  in  the  name  of  the  entire  Com- 
monwealth. The  Governor  has  poured  out  his  whole  soul  in 
that  letter,  and  in  the  same  spirit  which  animated  him  I  bid 
you  welcome,  Sir  Knights  of  Boston  and  Pi'ovidence,  a  hearty 
welcome  to  Virginia. 

In  the  days  that  tried  men's  souls,  the  men  of  [Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  and  Virginia  stood  side  by  side,  and  poured  out 
their  blood  together  on  the  same  common  altar,  for  the  same 
common  cause.  "When  the  bayonet  became  the  final  arbiter 
between  the  Colonies  and  the  mother  country,  they  stood 
shoulder  to  shoulder,  the  sons  of  INIassachusetts  and  Virginia. 
When  wearj',  they  made  inspiration  by  singing  noble  anthems, 
and  the  touch  of  each  arm  to  that  of  his  fellow  told  as  plainly 
as  language  could  do,  that  each  had  a  brother  by  his  side.  In 
that  conflict  but  one  sentiment  filled  their  minds,  and  one 
impulse  gave  strength  to  their  arms,  —  the  sentiment,  "  Our 
Country,"  the  impulse,  "  God  and  Truth." 

When  their  task  was  accomplished,  they  together  founded  a 
nation  without  strife  or  disagreement,  upon  broad  and  endur- 
ing principles,  —  upon  principles  which  linked  Massachusetts 
and  Rhode  Island  and  Virginia  together  as  with  hooks  of  steel. 
And  when  they  had  organized  the  government,  they  raised  to 
its  high  offices  their  most  distinguished  men.  Tlie  men  of 
those  days,  who  laid  the  foundations  of  this  great  nation, 
always  discarded  the  mean,  the  sordid,  the  selfish,  and  the 
vicious. 

Now  if  we  would  excite  the  same  noble  sentiment,  there  is 
nothing  better  than  this  interchange  of  courtesies  and  greet- 
ings in  which  you  are  now  engaged. 

You  will  excuse  me.  Sir  Knights,  if  I  relate  to  you  an  inci- 
dent in  reference  to  one  of  New  England's  great  men.  I  once 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Daniel  Webster  in  this  very  place, 
and  of  witnessing  an  incident  which  has  never  yet  been  pulv 
lished,  and  was  known  only  to  the  four  persons  present.  ]\Ir. 
Webster  on  one  occasion,  in  midsummer,  visited  RichnKtiid, 
and  came  to  the  Capitol.     I  was  present,  and  felt  most  Ui\\t\ty 


154  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \1RGINIA 

to  escort  him  through  the  building.  He  was  accompanied  by 
a  charming  young  lady  whose  name  I  do  not  remember,  as 
when  introduced  to  her  I  did  not  expect  ever  to  meet  her 
again.  We  entered  the  Hall  of  Delegates,  which  he  had  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  see,  and  the  wind  blew  the  door  so  that  it 
was  shut  upon  four  persons, — Mr.  Webster  and  the  young 
lady,  another  gentleman  and  myself. 

IVIr.  Webster  remarked  to  the  lady,  that  in  that  chamber 
some  of  the  most  eminent  men  in  the  nation  had  engaged  in 
debate,  and  requested  her  to  occupy  the  Speaker's  chair  while 
he  should  make  a  speech.  She  complied,  and  that  gifted  man 
pronounced  a  eulogy  upon  the  sons  of  Virginia  which  was 
never  equalled.  It  was  eloquent,  grand,  sublime.  The  scene 
was  one  which  I  shall  never  forget,  and  the  presence  of  these 
gentlemen  from  New  England  has  called  it  to  remembrance 
to-day. 

It  is  well  that  the  citizens  of  the  North  and  the  South  should 
become  more  intimately  acquainted  with  each  other.  A  short 
time  ago  New  York  sent  a  regiment  to  us.  They  came  as 
brethren,  and  we  received  them  as  such.  Their  visit  made  a 
pleasant  impression  upon  our  memories,  which  will  not  soon  be 
effaced.  And  now  we  are  permitted  the  privilege  to  greet  a 
noble  company  of  Sir  Knights,  from  Massachusetts  and  Rhode 
Island,  a  delegation  of  gentlemen  distinguished  for  all  honor- 
able and  good  qualities.  I  did  not  anticipate  this  visit  at  the 
Capitol,  but  I  can  assure  you  that  it  gives  me  great  pleasure, 
and  again,  in  behalf  of  the  Governor,  and  in  behalf  of  all  the 
people  of  Virginia,  I  tender  you  a  hearty,  and  sincere  welcome  ! 
Consider  our  homes  your  homes !  Be  with  us  and  of  us  while 
here,  as  if  you  were,  indeed,  sons  of  the  Old  Dominion  ! 

The  speech  of  Colonel  Munford  seemed  to  reach  di- 
rectly to  the  hearts  of  his  auditory. 

M.  E.  Commander  Parkman,  of  the  De  Molay  En- 
campment, replied  as  follo^Y3 :  — 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  155 

Sir,  —  In  behalf  of  my  companion  Sir  Knights,  it  is  proper 
that  I  should  attempt  to  thank  you  for  your  warm  and  eloquent 
words  of  welcome.  But,  Sir,  I  am  not  used  to  express  myself 
in  public.  Until  this,  our  visit  to  Virginia,  I  had  never  spoken 
to  mixed  assemblies  ;  but  as  soon  as  I  found  myself  on  the  soil 
so  productive  of  oratory  and  patriotic  sentiment,  my  tongue 
was  partially  unloosed,  and  I  have  felt  inspired  with  the  power 
to  respond  in  some  sort  to  the  hearty  and  kind  and  genial  wel- 
come extended  by  the  Sir  Knights  of  Richmond  and  the  citi- 
zens of  Virginia. 

I  return  to  you,  in  behalf  of  my  companions  in  this  pilgrim- 
age, most  hearty  thanks  for  this  kind  reception.  We  came 
here  from  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  not  as  Whigs,  not 
as  Democrats,  not  as  anti-slavery  men  or  pro-slavery  men  ;  but 
in  that  higher  and  most  glorious  sense  expressed  by  your  chief 
magistrate,  as  citizens  of  our  common  country,  these  United 
States.  We  are  national,  and  not  sectional  men.  We  came  to 
exchange  the  vows  of  friendship,  and  mingle  the  blazes  of  those 
fires  which  our  fathers  kindled  at  Bunker  Hill  and  York- 
town,  not  for  any  section,  but  for  the  whole  country.  We  are 
proud  to  stand  here  as  representatives  of  Massachusetts  and 
Rhode  Island,  but  we  are  prouder  yet  to  assert  ourselves 
citizens  of  the  United  States.  The  letter  of  Governor  Wise,  so 
happily  alluded  to,  will  never  be  forgotten.  The  sentiments  it 
expresses  will  resound  at  every  festival  and  at  every  fireside 
in  New  England,  and  at  every  recurrence  of  the  memory  of 
our  more  than  knightly  welcome,  we  shall  be  prouder  than 
before  that  we  are  American  citizens. 

When  Commander  Parkman  had  concluded  his  speech, 
Gilmore's  Band  played  "  Hail  Columbia,"  the  Provi- 
dence Band  followed  with  "  Washington's  Marcli,"  and 
"America"  was  given  as  a  finale  by  tlie  Boston  Band. 

It  was  an  impressive  scene  upon  the  grand  portico  of 
the  Capitol,  when  the  Templars  took  np  their  liiu!  of 
march.     They  passed   through    Capitol    S(|uare   and  tiie 


156  PILGRIMAGE  TO  MEGINIA 

Governor's  Grounds  to  Broad  Street,  and  continued  on  the 
route  laid  down  in  the  programme  of  the  day's  proceed- 
ings, through  the  most  attractive  portions  of  the  city. 

While  on  their  march,  the  pilgrim  Knights  were  every- 
where greeted  in  the  kindliest  manner.  Many  of  the 
dwelUngs  on  the  route  had  been  decorated  with  flowers 
by  their  fair  occupants,  and  the  Sir  Knights  were  con- 
tinually assaulted  with  bouquets  thrown  by  beautiful 
women  from  windows,  from  balconies,  from  porticos,  — 
from  every  vantage-ground  which  the  attacking  parties 
could  occupy. 

Many  of  these  missiles,  hurled  so  boldly  at  the  Sir 
Knights,  displayed  much  taste  in  their  arrangement  and 
construction.  The  Knights  sustained  the  assaults  with- 
out murmuring,  and  retreated  in  good  order,  bearing  with 
them  so  many  trophies  of  the  encounter  that  their  march- 
ing column  resembled  a  floral  procession.  Sir  Knight  S. 
W.  Clifford,  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  was  wounded 
by  a  bouquet  in  which  were  four  magnoha-leaves,  on  the 
polished  surface  of  which  were  inscribed  by  a  stylus,  in  a 
neat  handwriting,  these  mottoes  :  — 

"  Virginia's  Daughters  welcome  the  Sir  Knights." 

"  Long  life  and  happiness  to  the  strangers  from  Boston  and 
Providence." 

"  Though  our  skies  have  been  weeping,  our  hearts  have 
been  rejoicing,  while  animated  by  the  inspiring  strains  of  yoiu" 
matchless  bands." 

"  K.  F— ,"  "  M.  F— "  "  L.  M— ,"  "  E.  M— ,"  "  M.  M— ." 

When  the  Sir  Knights  reached  the  residence  of  Mrs. 
Wirt  Robinson,*   they  discovered   that   it  was  adorned 

*  Mrs.  Robinson  presented  a  beautiful  gift,  accompanied  by  a 
poetical  tribute,  to  the  New  England  Encampments,  on  Tuesday. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  157 

elaborately  with  flowers,  in  wreaths,  garlands,  festoons, 
etc.  With  knightly  courtesy  they  acknowledged  the  com- 
pliment by  presenting  arms  while  passing. 

In  front  of  the  mansion  of  Sir  Knight  John  F.  Reg- 
nault,  the  sidewalk  was  completely  covered  with  fragrant 
bouquets  of  choice  flowers,  strewn  there  as  an  ofiering  to 
the  Pilgrims.  This  tribute  was  also  acknowledged  with 
a  passing  salute.  And  at  almost  every  step  they  were 
met  with  some  fresh  testimonial  of  regard  from  the  wai-m- 
hearted  and  bright-eyed  women  of  Richmond. 

The  procession  halted  at  the  State  Armory,  on  Fifth 
Street.  This  is  a  fine  building,  used  as  an  arsenal  by 
the  State  Guard,  or  the  "  standing  army "  of  Virginia, 
a  corps  numbering  about  ninety  men.  This  is  the  only 
military  body  kept  constantly  in  the  service  of  the  State 
in  any  State  of  the  Union.  The  armory  is  under  the 
charge  of  Captain  Charles  Dimmock,  formerly  of  Massa- 
chusetts, a  brother  of  the  late  Colonel  John  L.  Dimmock 
of  Boston. 

Captain  Dimmock  welcomed  the  Sir  Knights  in  a  hand- 
some speech,  expressing  his  regrets  that  he  had  not  been 
notified  of  their  visit.  After  an  examination  of  the  bar- 
racks, arms,  and  ammunition  of  the  armory,  the  Templars 
resumed  their  march,  and  proceeded  to  the  hall  of  tlie 
Mechanics'  Institute,  where  they  arrived  at  half  past  one 
o'clock. 

In  this,  the  "  Asylum  "  of  the  Sir  Knights,  they  found 
another  manifestation  of  the  prodigal,  the  unbounded  hos- 
pitality of  Virginia  Templars.  Tables  were  extended 
upon  each  side  of  the  hall,  on  which  was  spread  a  tempt- 
ing collation.  In  the  centre  of  the  room  was  a  platform 
which  supported  a  huge  punch-bowl.  This  bowl  was  sus- 
pected of  being  filled  with  juleps  by  the  teetotallers  of  the 


158  PILGRIMAGE  TO  \^RGmIA 

company,  and  others  convinced  themselves  that  such  was 
truly  the  case.  The  pilgrims  had  marched  a  considera- 
ble distance,  under  the  excitements  of  a  grand  parade,  in 
which  the  eyes  of  all  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  Rich- 
mond were  upon  them,  and  they  were  consequently  in  a 
condition  to  relish  keenly  the  excellent  refreshments  which 
were  spread  bountifully  before  them.  Right  heartily  they 
paid  their  knightly  devoirs  to  the  feast. 

The  hall  was  draped  with  bunting,  and  tastefully  fes- 
tooned with  flowers  and  evergreens.  Along  the  central 
area  the  following  mottoes  were  suspended :  — 

"  What  Cheer." 
"  Clay." 
"  Warren." 
"  Greene." 
«  Webster." 

While  the  banqueting  was  yet  in  progi'css,  there  arose 
a  loud  call  for  Marmaduke  Johnson,  Esq.,  who  was  in  the 
hall.  That  gentleman  stepped  forward,  and  was  imme- 
diately placed  by  his  friends  upon  the  platform.  Stand- 
ing by  the  side  of  the  large  julep-bowl,  he  made  a  spirited 
and  eloquent  speech,  amid  the  explosions  of  Champagne, 
the  clinking  of  glasses,  and  the  plaudits  of  the  company. 

As  near  as  can  be  remembered,  he  spoke  as  follows  :  — 

My  friends,  this  call  is  most  unexpected  and  almost  unkind, 
and  yet,  under  the  inspiring  influences  of  this  scene,  I  cannot 
refuse  to  respond  to  it.  If  I  could  express  the  feelings  which 
the  events  of  the  past  few  days,  and  of  to-day,  have  aroused 
in  my  bosom,  I  would  infuse  into  your  hearts  a  flame  that  should 
unite  Massachusetts  and  Virginia  for  ever.  I  walked  through 
your  Masonic  Hall  to-day,  and  saw  by  your  emblems  that  you 
inculcate  Love,  Hope,  and  Charity ;  and  I  saw  that  I  too  am 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAES.  159 

a  Knight  Templar  in  feeling,  although  not  a  member  of  your 
noble  Order,  if  such  are  j'our  principles. 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  to-day  also  of  being  presented  to  the 
noble  and  beautiful  ladles  of  New  England  who  accompanied 
you,  and  felt  how  knightly  courtesy  and  chivalry  must  be  in- 
spired by  the  ties  which  bind  you  to  them.  That  all  above 
them  may  be  sunshine,  and  that  flowers  may  spring  perpetually 
beneath  their  feet  in  their  pilgrimage  to  Richmond,  and  their 
path  through  life,  is  my  sincere  wish  for  them. 

"When  I  entered  this  hall,  I  saw  conspicuous  around  me  those 
immortal  names  which  I  revere  and  love,  as  well  as  you,  names 
which  revive  in  our  bosoms  the  holiest  sentiments  of  patriotism. 

I  saw  "  Warren,"  —  the  first  red  martjT  of  the  Revolutionary 
struggle  ! 

I  saw  "  "Webster,"  —  who  will  be  remembered  as  one  of  the 
greatest  of  our  nation's  statesmen,  until  the  curtain  of  time 
shall  fall ! 

I  saw  "  Greene,"  —  who  stood  by  the  side  of  "Washington, 
second  to  him  only,  in  battles  for  our  independence ! 

I  saw  "  Clay,"  —  whose  name  we  wear  in  our  hearts  for  ever 
and  for  ever,  a  life-long  forget-me-not ! 

These  glorious  names,  honored  at  your  festival,  are  a  certifi- 
cate of  your  own  true  love  of  the  Union. 

Gentlemen,  we  are  about  to  part,  —  shall  we  meet  again  ? 

"When  the  beautiful  Clemanthe  was  about  to  be  separated 
from  the  noble-hearted  Ion,  who  was  doomed  to  banishment, 
she  cried,  "  O,  shall  we  meet  again  ?  "  And  he  answered,  "  I, 
too,  have  asked  that  question  of  the  everlasting  hills,  the 
rocks,  the  trees,  and  the  running  streams,  and  they  gave  me 
no  answer,  —  but  my  heart  tells  me  we  sliall  be  one  for  ever ! " 

Gentlemen,  we  may  never  meet  again  face  to  face,  but  the 
interchange  of  thought  and  feeling  which  has  taken  place  dur- 
ing your  visit,  has  made  us  one  for  ever.  Let  ms  propose  in 
conclusion,  this  sentiment :  — 

Dear  to  INIassachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  "N'irginia  are  the 
names  of  "Wcishington  and  Hancock,  Adams  and  Jeflcrson, 
"Webster  and  Clay:  May  our  gratitude  to  them  be  eternal, 


160  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

and  immortal  he  their  memory  in  the  hearts  of  future  genera- 
tions ! 

Enthusiastic  plaudits  from  the  Sir  Knights  and  their 
invited  guests,  not  members  of  the  Order,  saluted  Mr. 
Johnson  at  the  conclusion  of  this  speech. 

Commander  Parkman  was  loudly  called  upon,  and 
made  a  fitting  response.     He  said :  — 

Sir  Knights  and  Gentlemen,  —  What  can  I  say?  Where 
shall  I  find  language  by  which  to  express  the  feelings  which 
throng  into  my  heart  and  the  hearts  of  my  brother  Templars 
on  this  occasion?  I  have  no  language  adequate.  Will  not 
some  one  lend  me  the  tongue  of  a  Webster,  or  an  Everett,  or  a 
Johnson,  so  that  I  may  exj^ress  our  thanks  for  the  kindness 
lavished  upon  us  during  our  pilgrimage  in  this  State  ? 

But  I  can  at  least  thank  you,  with  a  sentiment  which  comes 
from  the  innermost  shrine  of  the  heart,  for  what  you  have  done 
to  render  us  happy,  and  for  the  lessons  of  knightly  brotherhood 
and  hospitality  you  have  taught  us.  I  would  like  to  respond  in 
proper  terms,  were  I  able,  to  the  beautiful  and  eloquent  senti- 
ments of  him  who  has  just  spoken  to  you ;  but  it  is  out  of  my 
power  while  I  am  yet  under  the  influence  of  his  thriUing 
words. 

I  thank  him  for  speaking  of  Webster  as  he  has  just  now 
spoken.  I  was  a  friend  of  his,  —  a  personal  fi^iend,  —  and  I 
feel  that  that  great  man,  who,  compassed  about  with  the  glory 
of  this  great  republic,  could  speak  to  me  with  such  words  of 
genuine  and  hearty  kindness  as  he  always  greeted  me  with, 
would  appreciate  properly  your  hospitahty,  and  thank  you  for 
it  as  it  deserves.  He  could  speak  to  Virginia,  and  respond  to 
your  welcome  to  these  sons  of  New  England  in  terms  befitting 
the  scenes  constantly  enacted  around  us  during  our  visit 
among  you. 

I  also  thank  our  young  brother  for  the  sentiments  he  has 
expressed  in  regard  to  Masonry.  It  is  a  noble  institution,  and 
I  have  felt,  while  presiding  in  the  Lodge  where  John  Hancock 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  igl 

was  initiated  to  its  mysteries,  and  also  when  I  sat  in  the  Lodge- 
room  where  Chief  Justice  Marshall  was  the  presiding  officer 
in  your  city,  that  Masonry  is  one  of  the  brightest  and  most 
enduring  links  which  connect  the  great  and  good  men  of 
their  generation  with  us,  and  that  the  chain  will  grow 
brighter  and  stronger  as  it  is  lengthened  along  through  com- 
ing centuries. 

Commander  Parkman  closed  with  a  sentiment  compli- 
mentary to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Virginia. 

Sir  Knight  John  Dove,  of  Richmond,  Secretary  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  responded  in  an  enthusiastic  speech.  Sev- 
eral other  impromptu  speeches  were  made,  but  the  gen- 
eral joy  and  enthusiasm  of  the  company  prevented  the 
reporters  from  recording  the  eloquent  sentiments  which 
were  uttered. 

When  the  Sir  Knights  were  sufficiently  rested  and 
refreshed,  they  marched  forth,  and  were  proceeding  on 
their  way  towards  their  quarters,  when  they  were  inter- 
cepted by  the  Richmond  Blues,  and  conducted  to  the 
Armory  of  that  corps.  This  was  the  day  of  "  May  train- 
ing "  in  Virginia,  and  the  militia  of  Richmond  were  on 
parade,  in  fulfilment  of  the  requirements  of  law.  The 
Blues  were  in  fatigue  dress,  Lieut.  AYm.  L.  Maule,  a  Sir 
Knight,  commanding.  And  they  seemed  bent  upon  de- 
voting themselves  to  the  entertainment  of  the  visiting 
Templars.  Their  armory  was  decorated  in  an  elaborate 
style,  and  with  much  taste,  both  .without  and  within. 
Arrangements  had  been  made  for  keeping  "open  house" 
during  the  day  and  evening. 

Soon   after   the    decorations   wet-e   completed   at   the 

armory,  about  fifty  of  the  ladies  of  Richmond  assenibled 

there,  and  despatched  a  committee  of  gentlemen  to  the 

Exchange  Hotel,  who  escorted  the  ladies  who  had  accora- 

II 


162  PILGRIMAGE  TO   \aRGINIA 

panied  the  pilgrim  Knights  from  New  England  to  the 
armory,  where  they  were  agreeably  entertained. 

On  entering  the  armory,  the  Sir  Knights  found  the 
entrance  hall  and  the  ante-room  draped  with  flags,  and 
adorned  with  mottoes  expressive  of  the  hospitable  senti- 
ments of  the  corps  towards  their  visitors.  In  the  ante- 
room their  eyes  were  greeted  with  a  sight  of  the  famous 
Blues'  punch-bowl,  made  of  porcelain,  having  a  capacity 
of  forty  gallons,  which  was  filled  with  iced  juleps  of  most 
nourishing  quality.  This  bowl  is  held  as  a  precious  relic 
by  the  company,  having  been  in  their  possession  during 
three  generations.  Lafayette  refreshed  himself  with  its 
contents  on  the  occasion  of  his  visit  to  Richmond,  in 
1824.  The  great  bowl  was  flanked  with  tubs  of  lemon- 
ade, and  with  various  light  and  refreshing  beverages. 

On  entering  the  main  hall  of  the  armory,  the  Sir 
Knights  found  that  it  had  been  converted  into  a  bower  of 
flags  and  roses.  Conspicuous  upon  the  wall  was  the  roll 
of  the  company,  past  and  present,  since  its  organization, 
May  10,  1793. 

Along  one  side  of  the  hall  was  a  table  loaded  with 
refreshments,  which  were  tempting,  even  to  an  appetite 
cloyed  at  the  banquet  so  lately  enjoyed  by  the  Sir 
Knights.  Behind  the  tables  was  a  picked  corps  of  Rich- 
mond's fair  daughters,  each  armed  with  bouquets  and 
wreaths  of  fresh-cut  flowers,  for  distribution  to  the  visitors. 

Lieutenant-Commanding  Maule  received  the  visitors 
in  the  following  speech  :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commanders  and  Sir  Knights  of  St.  John's 
and  De  Molay  Encampments,  —  The  Kichmond  Light  Infantry 
Blues,  citizen  soldiers  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia,  are 
assembled  this  morning  to  greet  you,  and  welcome  yon  to  the 
soil  of  the  Old  Dominion.     An  opportunity  has  not  heretofore 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  163 

oceurred  to  say  to  you  that  Tve  are  glad  to  see  you,  and  that 
we  are  desii-ous  of  grasping  your  hands,  and  imparting  the 
token  grip  whereby  one  patriot  may  know  another,  and  press- 
ing heart  to  heart,  with  the  motto,  "  Our  Country,"  ever  be- 
fore us.     Again,  welcome  !  ay, 

"  A  hvmdred  thousand  welcomes !  I  could  weep, 
And  I  could  laugh ;  I  am  light,  and  lieavj' :  welcome ! 
A  curse  begin  at  verj'  root  of  his  heart, 
That  is  not  glad  to  see  thee !  " 

Sir  EJnights,  our  quarters  are  small,  but  they  are  "  snug  "  ; 
and  I  request  you  to  pass  "  the  word "  to  your  compan- 
ions, that  the  Blues'  hands  and  hearts  are  open  to  receive 
you. 

Sir  Knights  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  you  are  at 
home  ;  and  I  command  you  to  make  your  guests  the  same. 

Commander  Parkman  replied :  — 

Sir  Knights,  —  Cast  your  eyes  up  and  down  this  hall.  Ob- 
serve the  shades  of  the  first  and  second  degrees.  I  think,  that 
of  the  two,  I  should  prefer  the  second ! 

IMr.  Commander  of  the  Blues,  the  Sir  Knights  of  Boston 
and  Providence  have  come  to  the  motto  of  Virginia,  "  Load 
and  fire,"  on  occasions  like  this.  We  are  content  to  surrender, 
at  discretion,  and  most  thankfully  to  fulfil  jour  commands. 

The  Templars  were  pressed  to  partake  of  the  delicacies 
which  loaded  the  board,  and  their  attention  was  also 
directed  to  a  silver  water-cooler,  holding  fifteen  gallons, 
the  property  of  the  Blues,  which  stood  at  the  upper  end 
of  the  hall,  which  was  filled  with  Champagne,  filtered 
through  ice,  and  dispensed  in  draught. 

Brief  speeches  were  made  by  several  gentlemen.  The 
young  ladies  dispensed  to  the  Sir  Knights  bouquets  and 
garlands,  and  smiles  more  beautiful  than  their  floral  oller- 
ings.  It  was  one  of  the  rosiest  hours  the  pilgrims  had 
enjoyed  in  Richmond. 


164  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIEGINIA 

At  four  o'clock  the  Encampments  returned  to  the  hotel, 
and  assumed  their  fatigue  uniform.  The  remainder  of  the 
day  was  occupied  in  visiting,  in  squads  of  from  two  to 
twenty,  various  places  of  public  interest,  and  numerous 
private  residences.  Quite  a  number  of  the  visiting  Knights 
were  taken  to  some  of  the  largest  tobacco  establishments 
of  the  city,  and  witnessed  the  great  skill  and  rapidity  of 
the  manipulations  of  the  tobacco-plant  in  the  various 
processes  of  its  manufacture  by  negro  slaves.  The  ne- 
groes, being  stimulated  by  a  liberal  compensation  for 
labor  performed  beyond  their  allotted  task,  acquire  great 
facility  in  the  work  of  preparing  the  popular  narcotic  for 
the  markets  of  the  world.  For  the  amusement  of  the 
visitors,  the  tobacconists  sang  a  number  of  the  songs, 
sacred  and  secular,  for  which  they  are  noted  in  Richmond. 
Their  vocal  performances  were  marked  by  a  certain 
rudeness  and  quaintness  of  enunciation,  but  their  voices 
were  sweet,  and  their  musical  instincts  enabled  them  to 
blend  with  much  harmony  in  the  choruses.  They  habitu- 
ally hghten  their  task  with  songs,  hymns,  and  anthems, 
and  negro  singing  is  one  of  the  sources  of  amusement  to 
the  citizens  and  visitors  of  the  town. 

The  Sir  KJiights  derived  much  pleasure  from  their  in- 
spection of  the  manufactories  of  the  great  staple  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Another  party  of  the  pilgrim  Knights,  accompanied  by 
the  ladies  from  New  England,  and  several  of  their  Rich- 
mond friends,  paid  a  visit  to  St.  John's  Church,  the  oldest 
in  the  Commonwealth.  It  was  in  this  church  that  Patrick 
Henry  made  his  thrilling  appeal  to  arms,  in  the  second 
Convention  of  Virginia  Delegates,  in  March,  1775.  The 
building  has  been  altered  and  enlarged  since  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  is  used  as  a  house  of  worship  by  a  large  congre- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  165 

gation.     It  is  situated  on  Church  Hill,  and  the  visiting 
party  were  conveyed  to  it  in  omnibuses. 

At  the  request  of  his  Honor  the  Mayor  of  Richmond,  a 
gentleman  who  is  familiar  with  the  historical  associations 
of  the  place,  Rev.  Dr.  Kepler,  pastor  of  the  church, 
pointed  out  the  spot  where  the  patriot  Henry  made  his 
celebrated  speech  in  favor  of  immediate  war  for  inde- 
pendence ;  and  recited  the  speech  itself  in  a  very  efiFective 
manner.  This  produced  a  deep  impression  upon  the 
company,  and  they  felt  that  they  were  indeed  in  a  sacred 
shrine.  After  the  recitation,  Sir  Knight  L.  L.  Tarbell, 
prelate  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  repeated  the  Lord's 
Prayer,  the  company  kneeling  around  him  and  respond- 
ing. It  was  a  solemn  scene.  All  present  were  filled 
with  emotion,  and  the  ladies  were  affected  to  tears. 

Later  in  the  afternoon,  a  number  of  the  Richmond 
Knights,  headed  by  the  Mayor,  —  a  most  gallant  Tem- 
plar, —  made  a  second  visit  to  the  Blues'  Armory.  They 
found  this  place  as  well  supplied  with  refreshments  as  at 
first.  The  "  blue  bowl "  was  yet  full,  and  Champagne 
sparkled  as  freely  from  the  silver  cooler  as  if  those  ves- 
sels were  supplied  by  living  fountains.  The  tables  still 
presented  abundant  temptations  to  the  appetite,  and  the 
officers  and  members  of  the  Blues  were  as  pressing  in 
their  hospitable  invitations  as  before. 

Sir  Knight  Mayo  formally  addressed  Sir  Knight  John 
M.  Clarke,  High  Sheriff  of  Suffolk  County,  Massachu- 
setts, in  a  speech  replete  with  cordial  sentiments.  Sheriff 
Clarke  replied,  and  his  remarks  were  loudly  ai)plauded. 
He  brought  a  charge  against  the  city  of  Richmond,  how- 
ever, of  "  too  much  hospitality,"  and  the  Mayor  of  the 
city.  Sir  Knight  !Mayo,  was  tried  for  the  offence,  —  not, 
however,  before  he  had  filed  a  "  cross  libel."     The  jury 


166  PILGEIMAGE  TO  VIEGINIA 

acquitted  both  the  "  guilty  parties,"  unanimously  and 
"  hilariously." 

In  the  evening,  the  Sir  Knights,  after  having  enjoyed 
manifold  hospitalities  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  re- 
assembled at  their  rendezvous,  and  attended  a  parting 
levee  in  the  ball-room  of  the  Ballard  House.  The 
Templars  were  favored  with  the  company  of  a  number  of 
the  ladies  of  Richmond,  and  the  time  was  most  agree- 
ably spent  in  conversation,  dancing,  and  listening  to  sev- 
eral presentation  speeches. 

The  first  presentation  Avas  a  suit  of  regaha  from  the 
De  Molay  Encampment  to  the  Richmond  Commandery. 
Commander  Parkman,  in  making  the  presentation,  spoke 
as  follows  :  — 

Most  Eminent  Grand  Commander  and  Sir  Knights  of  the 
Richmond  Commandery,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen, — As  our 
very  pleasant  visit  is  now  about  to  terminate,  the  pleasant 
duty  has  been  assigned  to  me  to  present  to  you  a  testi- 
monial of  the  esteem  in  which  we  hold  your  efforts  to  render 
our  visit  a  happy  one.  Tlie  Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay 
Encampment,  being  desirous  of  appearing  like  one  of  you, 
have  directed  me  to  present  to  you  this  set  of  their  regaha ; 
and  although  the  material  thereof  is  perishable,  the  sight 
thereof  will  always  remind  you  of  the  pleasant  recollections 
which  have  induced  its  presentation.  Its  material  may  fade 
and  crumble,  but  these  pleasant  memories  of  this  thrice  happy 
occasion  will  be  ever  fragrant  in  our  hearts. 

I  also  present  you  this  sword.  In  your  hand,  as  a  true  and 
courteous  Knight,  it  has  four  additional  qualities,  —  its  hilt 
being  endowed  by  Faith,  its  blade  by  Hope,  its  point  by 
Charity,  and  the  whole  emblematic  of  Truth.  WhUe  Ma- 
sonry stands  upon  these  fom*  cai'dinal  virtues,  it  must  be  ever- 
lasting. 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  167 

Commander  Gill,  in  behalf  of  his  Commandery,  made 
an  eloquent  and  feeling  reply.  Calling  up  one  of  his  Sir 
Knights,  he  invested  him  with  the  regalia,  and  assured 
his  De  Molay  brothers  that,  whenever  his  Commandery 
held  a  meeting,  this  suit  of  regalia  should  appear  among 
them. 

This  agreeable  incident  was  followed  by  another.  Sir 
Knight  Rev.  J.  Lansing  Burrows  presented  to  D.  G. 
Mariani,  Drum-Major  of  Gilmore's  Band,  in  behalf  of 
Messrs.  L.  Macdonough  and  J.  H.  Sawyer  of  Richmond, 
a  beautiful  silver  goblet.  He  said  that,  when  the  pilgrim 
Knights  arrived,  the  Drum-Major  was  the  first  man  they 
saw,  and  his  stature  was  so  great  that  they  had  not  lost 
sight  of  him  since.  It  was  with  pleasure  that  he  fulfilled 
the  request  of  his  friends  in  presenting  such  a  testimonial 
to  one  who  had  won  the  kind  wishes  of  all  who  had  seen 
him  by  his  manly  deportment. 

Signor  Mariani,  who  is  an  Italian,  returned  his  thanks 
in  a  broken  English  speech,  which  was  received  with 
loud  ajjplause. 

Another  silver  goblet  was  presented  to  Mr.  Joseph  C. 
Greene,  Leader  of  the  American  Brass  Band  of  Provi- 
dence, on  behalf  of  several  of  the  citizens  of  Richmond. 
Sir  Knight  Joseph  Mayo  made  the  presentation  speech, 
and  A.  O.  Brewster,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  responded  for  Mr. 
Greene. 

Presentations  had  now  become  the  order  of  the  even- 
ing, and  Commander  Parkman  was  called  upon  by  the 
ladies  who  accompanied  the  De  Molay  and  St.  John's 
Encampments  to  present  to  Sir  Kniglit  John  II.  Boslicr  a 
handsome  silver  goI)let,  and  an  elegant  set  of  gold  sleeve- 
buttons.  Commander  Parkman  made  the  following  ad- 
dress :  — 


168  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

Most  Eminent  Grand  Commander,  Sir  Knights,  Ladies  and 
Gentlemen,  —  Within  a  few  minutes  there  has  been  placed  in 
my  hands  by  the  ladies  accompanying  the  De  Molay  and  St. 
John's  Commanderies,  a  slight  testimonial,  to  be  presented  to 
Sir  Knight  J.  H.  Bosher  of  the  Richmond  Commandery,  as  a 
token  of  their  regard  for  his  kind  attentions  to  them  while  here 
in  Richmond.  We  have  all  read  of  the  attentions  of  Don 
Quixote  to  the  fair  sex,  but  Sir  Knight  Bosher  has  far  excelled 
him  in  his  untiring  efforts,  in  his  entire  devotion  and  atten- 
tion in  anticipating  the  very  slightest  want  of  anything  that 
might  enhance  their  pleasure  or  enjoyment ;  and,  my  dear  Sir 
Knight  and  brother,  allow  me  in  behalf  of  these  ladies  to  pre- 
sent you  this  beautiful  silver  goblet.  I  cannot,  in  the  words 
of  our  ritual,  say  to  you,  "  Silver  and  gold  I  have  none," 
for  of  silver  I  have  this,  and  with  great  pleasure  present 
it  to  you.  When  it  is  raised  to  your  lips,  may  it  be  filled 
with  libations  of  nectar  composed  of  all  the  joys  which  social 
intercourse,  sweetened  by  female  influence,  may  distil.  I  also 
present  to  you  this  beautiful  pair  of  sleeve-buttons,  bear- 
ing on  their  face  our  Masonic  emblems,  which  may  always 
be,  when  within  your  sight,  a  constant  reminder  of  the  happy 
occasion  which  has  induced  theii-  presentation. 

Sir  Knight  Bosher  responded  briefly.  He  said  that 
he  had  been  taken  entirely  by  surprise,  and  could  make 
no  other  reply  than  to  assure  the  ladies  that  their  gifts 
should  be  treasured  and  worn  with  a  gratitude  that  should 
last  so  long  as  his  heart  continued  to  beat. 

Sir  Knight  John  F.  Regnault  was  presented  by  his 
New  England  friends  with  an  elegant  set  of  volumes  on 
Masonry,  as  a  token  of  their  high  appreciation  of  his 
character  as  a  man  and  a  member  of  the  Fraternity. 

Sir  Knight  J.  Lansing  Burrows  read  the  following 
verses,  written  by  Mrs.  Wirt  Robinson  :  — 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  169 


PARTING   ODE. 

In  bidding  you  adien,  Sir  Knights, 

We  'd  every  kind  word  say ; 
With  fervent  wishes  for  your  weal, 

God  speed  you  on  your  way  ! 
God  bless  and  keep  you  all,  Sir  Knights, 

And  shield  you  everwhere  : 
'Neath  ruined  arch,  in  busy  mart, 

Protect  with  holy  care. 

In  parting  thus,  ere  mutual  tryst 

Had  more  than  just  begun. 
Regret  and  sadness  mar  the  woof 

By  friendship  newly  spun ! 
Of  Friendship  and  of  Memory, 
Entwined  with  tendrils  green, 
Expanded,  nourished,  'neath  your  smiles, 

In  hours  "  lang  syne  "  you  ween. 

O,  may  you  "  keep  the  unemng  line," 

"  Each  with  his  mark  in  view," 
Until,  the  "  stone's  contents  "  revealed, 

You  join  the  enlightened  few  : 
You  join  the  mystic  brotherhood. 

In  the  great  Lodge  above. 
Where  sits  enthroned,  all  hallowed. 

The  "  Architect "  you  love. 

Our  temple's  fane  we  oped  to  you : 

Our  hearts  responsive  beat ; 
God  grant  the  future  may  ignite 

Perpetual  Friendship  sweet, 
Till  when  our  "  edifice  "  of  clay 

To  kindred  dust  returns, 
'Neath  the  key-stone,  undimmcd  and  bright. 

Its  sacred  ardor  burns. 


170  PILGEIMAGE  TO   ^^RGINIA 

Sir  Knight  Ballard,  propinetor  of  the  Ballard  House 
and  Exchange  Hotel,  where  the  Pilgrims  had  been  so 
comfortably  quartered  during  their  sojourn,  addressed  the 
comi^any,  expressing  his  personal  thanks  for  their  visit 
and  liis  warm  sympathies  with  the  Masonic  brotherhood. 
He  then  introduced  to  them  the  colored  choir  of  the 
African  Church  of  Richmond,  so  much  celebrated  for 
their  fervent  and  harmonious  singing  of  sacred  melodies 
and  anthems.  The  choir  proceeded  to  sing,  from  printed 
collections,  some  of  their  best  pieces,  and  their  music  was 
much  enjoyed  by  the  company. 

The  levee  broke  up  about  midnight,  and  the  Sir 
Knights  separated  reluctantly  from  the  fair  ladies  who 
had  graced  and  enlivened  it  by  their  presence  and  con- 
versation. Several  of  the  Sir  Knights  sallied  out  with 
the  bands  of  music,  and  serenaded  their  Richmond  friends. 
Sir  Knight  Wm.  B.  Isaacs,  one  of  the  admirably  efficient 
committee  of  arrangements  for  the  Richmond  Command- 
ery,  was  serenaded  by  Gilmore's  Band,  at  one  o'clock, 
A.  M.  He  threw  open  the  doors  of  his  mansion,  and 
pressed  upon  the  serenading  party  the  same  generous 
hospitality  that  had  greeted  them  everywhere  in  Vir- 
ginia. 

Greene's  American  Band  visited  the  residences  of 
"Wm.  F.  Ritchie,  Esq.  of  the  Richmond  Enquirer,  Rev.  J. 
Lansing  Burrows,  Sir  Knight  Joseph  Mayo,  Mayor  of 
the  City,  Sir  Knight  John  H.  Bosher,  Sir  Knight  John  F. 
Regnault,  Sir  Knight  John  T.  Rogers,  Companion  TVirt 
Robinson,  and  Mrs.  Robert  Nott. 

Mr.  Regnault  and  Mr.  Rogers  threw  open  their  doors, 
and  entertained  the  serenaders  sumptuously. 

There  was  a  dearth  of  sleep  that  night  at  the  quarters 
of  the  pilgrims,  whose  departure  had  been  fixed  at  six 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TESffLAES.  171 

o'clock  the  next  morning.  Some  of  the  New  England 
Knights  disdained  to  seek  repose  from  the  pleasing 
fatigues  to  which  they  were  constantly  subjected  by  their 
Richmond  brothers,  and  the  signal  for  an  early  breakfast 
was  answered  by  more  than  one  Avho  had  not  been  guilty 
of  an  interview  with  Morpheus  during  Thursday  night. 

And  thus  ended  the  last  day  of  the  visit  of  the  Knights 
Templars  from  New  England  in  Virginia. 


172  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 


CHAPTER    X 


Closing  Scenes  at  Richmond.  —  Departure  of  the  Pilgrims. 

—  Visit  to  Mount  Vernon.  —  Interview  with  the  Secretary 
OF  THE  Interior.  —  Presentation  to  President   Buchanan. 

—  Return  to  Philadelphia. 


At  five  o'clock,  Friday  morning,  the  Exchange  Hotel 
was  the  scene  of  great  bustle,  caused  by  the  active  prepa- 
rations of  the  New  England  Knights  Templars  for  their 
departure.  The  Pilgrims  were  waited  upon  by  their 
Richmond  friends,  who  came  to  "  speed  the  parting 
guests,"  in  the  same  spirit  which  had  characterized  their 
efforts  to  render  their  visit  an  agreeable  one. 

Just  before  the  summons  was  given  for  their  departure, 
the  Templars  were  invited  to  the  parlor  of  the  Exchange, 
where  Miss  Perry,  daughter  of  Sir  Knight  Perry,  of  the 
Richmond  Commandery,  after  being  introduced  to  the  la- 
dies from  New  England,  sat  down  to  the  piano-forte, 
and  sang  "  When  shall  we  meet  again  ?  "  with  such  beauty 
of  expression,  and  so  much  genuine  feeling,  that  tears 
filled  the  eyes  of  all  the  ladies  present.  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  "  Home  again ! "  which  was  performed  with 
fine  effect. 

At  half  past  five  o'clock,  the  Encampments  took  up 
their  line  of  march  for  the  railroad  station.  The  State 
Artillery  fired  a  salute  of  thirty-four  guns  as  they  ap- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  173 

preached  the  Depot,  and  upon  their  arrival  at  that  point 
they  were  invited  to  a  parting  cup  of  julep  from  one  of 
the  immense  bowls  that  had  been  so  much  in  service  dur- 
ing their  visit  in  Richmond.  There  was  a  great  crowd 
about  the  Depot  to  witness  the  departure  of  the  pilgrims, 
and,  before  they  took  their  seats  in  the  cars,  a  general 
scattering  of  emblems,  and  many  exchanges  of  caps  and 
other  articles  pertaining  to  the  regalia  or  uniform  of 
Knights  Templars  took  place.  Regrets  at  parting  were 
freely  and  feehngly  expressed,  as  those  who  remained 
shook  hands  for  the  last  time  with  their  New  England 
brothers. 

When  the  train  started,  cheers,  loud  and  hearty,  were 
given  and  answered,  and  the  pilgrims,  reluctantly  bid- 
ding a  final  adieu  to  Richmond,  were  sped  on  their  way. 
A  large  delegation  from  the  Richmond  Commandery, 
accompanied  the  homeward  bound  pilgrims  to  Ashland. 
Among  them  were  the  Richmond  committee  of  arrange- 
ments, who  had  devoted  themselves  indefatigably  to  the 
entertainment  of  their  guests,  and  also  Sir  Knight  Joseph 
Mayo,  who,  in  his  capacity  of  Mayor  of  Richmond,  as 
weU  as  a  brother  Templar,  had  been  unremitting  in  his 
attentions  to  the  visiting  Knights. 

When  the  train  halted  at  Ashland,  most  of  the  general 
committee,  on  leave  taking,  were  separated  from  the 
party,  but  a  few  continued  the  journey  as  far  as  Aquia 
Creek,  and  Sir  Knight  Bosher  remained  with  them  until 
they  reached  Washington. 

Abandoning  the  railroad  at  Aquia  Creek,  the  pilgrims 
were  transferred  to  the  steamer  Mount  Vernon,  and  pro- 
ceeded up  the  Potomac.  The  weather  was  cloudy  and 
somewhat  rainy,  but  the  trip  was  a  dcliglitful  one.  The 
showers  that  had  fallen  during  the  week  had  brought  the 


174  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

foliage  of  the  country,  on  either  bank  of  the  river,  to  the 
highest  pitch  of  perfection,  and  its  luxuriance  and  beauty 
at  that  early  season  of  the  year  were  marvellous  to  the 
eyes  of  the  Northerners. 

The  pilgrims  desired  to  visit  Mount  Vernon  on  their 
return,  but  the  steamer  which  plies  between  Aquia 
Creek  and  Washmgton  being  too  large  to  approach  the 
landing-place,  the  committee  of  arrangements  for  the  De 
Molay  Encampment  had  thoughtfully  provided  a  smaller 
steamer,  the  T.  CoUyer,  to  receive  the  company  when 
they  arrived  at  a  point  opposite  that  spot,  and  transfer 
them  to  the  shore.  It  was  near  the  middle  of  the  after- 
noon when  the  boat  reached  the  home  of  Washington. 

On  landing  at  the  wharf,  the  Sir  Knights  formed  a 
column,  double  file,  and  marched  to  the  sounds  of  mom-n- 
ful  music  over  the  dilapidated  plank  foot-path  which  leads 
from  the  river  beach,  up  through  a  ravine,  to  the  tomb 
that  holds  the  sacred  remains  of  the  "  father  of  his  coun- 
try." The  spirit  of  melancholy  seemed  to  brood  over 
the  spot.  The  trees  were  dripping  with  moisture,  that  fell 
from  the  weeping  skies,  and  the  tree-frogs  blended  their 
plaintive  cries  with  the  dead  march  played  by  the  band. 
Arrived  at  the  tomb,  the  Sir  Kiiights  stood  before  it  with 
uncovered  heads,  while  the  bands  played  appropriate 
dirges.  But  few  of  the  company  had  ever  before  visited 
this  sacred  spot,  and  the  hearts  of  all  were  filled  with 
sadness  as  they  gazed  through  the  iron  grating  upon  the 
marble  sarcophagus  which  holds  the  precious  deposit  of 
Washington's  dust. 

The  brick  Avails  of  the  tomb  are  crumbling,  its  roof  is 
covered  with  wild  vines,  weeds,  and  shrubs,  some  of  which 
have  grown  to  the  size  of  small  trees,  and  neglect  and 
decay  are  visible  in  and  around  it.     From  this  spot  they 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  175 

proceeded  to  the  mansion  which  was  the  homestead  of  the 
great  man. 

"With  no  hand  of  kindred  or  posterity  to  repaii-  the 
ravages  of  remorseless  Time  upon  the  building  which 
once  was  the  loved  resting-place  and  home  of  Washing- 
ton, it  has  fallen  into  a  miserably  dilapidated  condition. 
And  the  same  evil  genius  seems  to  brood  over  all  the 
appurtenances  and  dependencies  of  this  once  proud  man- 
sion. The  negi-o  quarters  and  other  outbuildings,  the 
fences,  the  garden,  and  the  gi-ounds,  have  all  suffered 
from  ungrateful  neglect. 

The  pilgrims  to  this  shrine  of  patriotism  were  pro- 
foundly impressed  by  the  desolation  of  Mount  Vernon. 
It  is  not  the  sublime  desolation  that  hangs  over  the  ruins 
of  ancient  cities,  whose  founders  and  all  the  generations 
of  their  descendants  have  passed  from  the  earth,  but  it  is 
a  desolateness  which  has  been  permitted  to  creep  over 
the  holiest  mementos  of  the  most  revered  of  the  patriotic 
men  who  founded  this  happy  and  free  country,  even 
while  every  year  our  increasing  prosperity  has  added  a 
deeper  shade  to  our  ingratitude  to  his  memory. 

The  tomb  and  home  of  Washington  seem  the  more 
desolate,  from  the  natural  beauty  of  their  site  and  the  sur- 
rounding landscape.  The  lovely  and  smiling  aspect  of 
Nature,  who  invites,  with  every  assurance  of  her  own 
aid,  the  recreant  sons  of  the  Father  of  his  Country,  to 
restore  his  homestead  to  its  pristine  beauty,  is  an  eloquent 
though  silent  reproach  of  then-  long  neglect  of  duty. 

The  noble  work  of  rescuing  this  holy  ground  from 
neglect  and  desecration  was  more  highly  appreciated 
than  ever  by  the  visiting  Knights,  and  they  rc-joiced  in 
the  thought  that  it  would  soon  be  completed. 

After  inspecting  the  mansion,  its  quaint  and  elaborate 


17G  PILGRIMAGE  TO  YIRGENIA 

architecture,  and  the  various  rehcs  of  him  who  once 
inhabited  it,  and  purchasing  a  few  of  the  canes  which  the 
negroes  furnish  so  plentifully  to  all  comers,  the  party  re- 
turned to  the  boat.  Halting  at  the  tomb  on  their  way, 
the  ladies  strewed  upon  the  sarcophagus  a  great  quan- 
tity of  flowers,  which  had  been  presented  to  them  for 
this  purpose  by  their  Richmond  friends.  When  this 
floral  tribute  had  been  paid,  the  company  bade  adieu  to 
Mount  Vernon,  and  re-embarked  upon  the  steamer  for 
Washington. 

Leaving  behind  them  Mount  Vernon,  with  its  pictu- 
resque scenery,  its  luxuriant  groves  and  green  fields, 
its  rank  weeds  and  dilapidated  buildings  and  fences,  its 
crumbling  repository  of  the  dust  of  him  whose  life  and 
character  and  deeds  have  rendered  immortal  the  name  of 
this,  the  spot  where  he  last  lived  and  where  he  died, 
the  pilgrims  pursued  their  way  to  the  great  city  which 
bears  his  own  illustrious  name,  and  fulfils  the  offices  of 
the  capital  of  the  nation. 

They  arrived  in  Washington  at  about  six  o'clock,  and 
were  soon  comfortably  quartered  at  the  National  Hotel, 
under  the  care  of  Messrs.  Tenney  &  Co.,  who  with  their 
assistants  seemed  determined  they  should  forget  all  the 
regrets  they  experienced  on  leaving  Richmond,  and  all 
the  sadness  they  felt  at  witnessing  the  desolation  of 
Mount  Vernon. 

At  eight  o'clock,  a  supper  prepared  for  the  delectation 
of  the  Sir  Knights  was  eaten,  and  at  nine  o'clock  the 
Encampments  visited  by  invitation  the  mansion  of  the 
Hon.  Jacob  Thompson,  Secretary  of  the  Interior.  The 
Honorable  Secretary  gave  the  Sir  Knights  a  cordial 
reception,  and  in  his  parlors  they  passed  an  hour  agree- 
ably, in  conversation  with  Mr.  Thompson  and  his  friends. 


OF  THE  K^^GHTS   TEMPLARS.  177 

enjoying  his  elegant  hospitality,  and  listening  to  the 
music  of  Gilmore's  Band. 

After  their  return  to  their  quarters,  the  bands  played 
several  fine  pieces,  and  when  they  had  retired,  the  dreams 
of  the  pilgrims  were  sweetened  by  a  serenade  from 
Withers's  Band,  of  Washington. 

On  Saturday  morning,  the  Templars  were  abroad 
early,  and  many  of  them  completed  their  inspection  of 
the  public  buildings  of  the  capital.  At  eleven  o'clock 
they  assumed  the  full  regalia  of  the  Order,  and  after  a 
dress  parade  in  front  of  the  National  Hotel,  they  were 
met  by  the  Washington  Commandery,  B.  B.  French,  E. 
G.  Commander.  The  column  of  Sir  Knights  then  took 
up  their  line  of  march  toward  the  White  House,  the 
President  having  extended  an  invitation  to  them  to  visit 
him  in  the  Presidential  Mansion. 

On  their  arrival,  the  Sir  Kniglits  entered  the  East 
Room,  and  were  formed  in  double  lines,  around  three 
sides  of  the  room,  and  awaited  the  entrance  of  the  chief 
magistrate.  When  President  Buchanan  entered  the 
room,  he  was  received  with  a  salute  by  the  assembled 
Kniglits,  and  the  band  played  a  national  air. 

Commander  B.  B.  French  then  addressed  the  Presi- 
dent in  tlie  following  language  :  — 

Mr.  President,  —  I  have  the  honor,  sir,  and  pleasure,  to  pre- 
sent to  you,  in  behalf  of  the  Wasliington  Commandery  of 
Knights  Templars,  the  De  Molay  Encampment  of  the  city  of 
Boston,  and  the  St.  John's  Commander}-  of  Ivniglits  TiMiipIars 
of  the  city  of  Providence. 

These  men,  sir,  are  a  fair  specimen  of  Knights  Tcmphirs 

throughout  the  world  ;  and  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  present 

them.     They  are  here  on  their  return  from  Richmond,  wlierc 

they  have  been  partaking  of  the  hospitalities,  courtesies,  and 

12 


178  PILGEIMAGE   TO  YIRGINIA 

kindnesses  of  their  brethren  in  Richmond,  who  are  so  far-famed 
for  such  hospitality.  They  have  been  there,  sir,  to  clasp  the 
hands  of  their  brethren,  and  give  them  the  strong  grip  of 
brotherly  affection,  —  that  affection  which  I  trust,  indeed  I 
know,  is  mingled  with  that  love  of  the  Union  and  the  Consti- 
tution which  should  burn  in  the  bosom  of  every  true  patnot. 

I  regard  this  hour  as  one  of  the  happiest  of  my  life,  when 
I  stand  here  in  the  pi-esence  of  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the 
nation,  and  present  to  him  these  men,  good  and  true,  who 
come  from  the  cold  winds,  yet  warm  hearts,  of  my  own  beloved 
New  England. 

To  these  introductory  remai'ks  President  Buchanan 
replied  as  follows :  — 

I  am  rejoiced  to  see  the  Sir  Knights  in  the  Executive  Man- 
sion of  the  country.  I  am  always  rejoiced  to  find  a  large  and 
respectable  portion  of  our  countrymen  from  the  North  visiting 
the  South.  They  have  partaken  of  Southern  hospitality  at 
Richmond,  and  if  they  went  to  Richmond  with  any  prejudices 
against  the  South,  1  feel  confident  that  they  must  have  been 
removed  by  their  intercourse  with  that  warm-hearted  and 
generous  people.  I  am  confident  that  the  cold  winds  of  the 
North,  to  which  you  have  alluded,  have  not  chilled  the  hearts 
of  these  noble  Sir  Knights ;  and  though  they  may  not  be 
called  upon  to  defend  the  Holy  Sepulchre  at  Jerusalem,  as 
had  the  Knights  Templars  of  old  to  do,  yet  I  have  no  doubt 
that  they  will  be  ready  to  defend  what  is  equally  valuable, 
the  Constitution  and  Union  of  the  country,  —  not  with  their 
swords,  but  with  their  moral  influence,  and  with  the  strength 
and  power  of  their  example.  [Applause.]  The  Union  is  in- 
deed the  most  precious  legacy  left  to  us  by  our  ancestors,  — 
the  most  precious  legacy  that  ever  any  people  enjoyed. 

The  race  of  Revolutionary  patriots  and  heroes  has  passed 
away ;  that  sacred  deposit  is  committed  to  the  men  of  the 
present  generation  ;  and  I  trust  that  every  man,  individually, 
will  make  it  a  matter  of  conscience  and  of  pride,  to  exert  all 


OF   THE   KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  179 

just  influence  to  perpetuate  our  glorious  institutions,  and  to 
preserve  the  Constitution  and  the  Union  for  generations  to 
come.     [Applause.] 

I  thank  you  all,  gentlemen,  for  the  honor  of  this  visit,  and 
shall  be  very  happy  to  clasp  the  hands  of  each  one  of  you. 

The  officers  of  the  Encampments  were  then  formally 
introduced  to  the  President,  and  the  Sir  Knights  filed 
past  him,  and  were  each  presented  in  due  form.  The 
ladies  —  wives  and  daughters  of  the  Templars,  who  had 
accompanied  them  on  their  pilgrimage  —  were  also  pre- 
sented to  JNIr.  Buchanan,  who  received  them  graciously. 

While  this  scene  was  transpiring,  the  bands  performed 
several  national  airs,  and  after  the  ceremony  of  introduc- 
tion was  over,  Sir  Knight  J.  B.  Borden  of  the  St.  John's 
Encampment  sang  the  "Star-spangled  Banner"  with 
fine  effect,  the  Providence  Band  playing  an  accompani- 
ment to  the  song. 

The  President  then  retired,  having  been  apparently 
much  gratified  by  the  interview. 

The  Templars  returned  to  their  hotel,  and  sat  down  to 
an  excellent  dinner,  prepared  expressly  for  them.  The 
officers  of  the  Washington  Commandery  were  present,  as 
invited  guests,  and  the  hour  allowed  the  pilgrims  before 
their  departure  was  well  improved  in  discussing  the  meal, 
and  interchanging  congratulations  and  friendly  sentiments 
with  their  AVashington  brethren.  Impromptu  speeches 
were  made  by  Commanders  Parkman,  French,  and 
Barker,  and  Rev.  W.  D,  Haley,  Sir  Knight,  of  Wash- 
ington. 

Commander  Parkman  complimented  the  Washington 
Commandery  in  well-chosen  terms,  and  Commander  B. 
B.  French  made  a  fitting  response. 

Commander  Barker  made  a  few  felicitous  remarks, 
concluding  with  a  sentiment  in  honor  of  the  ladies. 


180  PILGRIMAGE  TO  "VaRGINIA 

Rev.  Mr.  Haley  being  called  upon  to  speak  in  behalf 
of  the  ladies,  he  responded  in  a  manner  that  called  forth 
rounds  of  applause. 

The  Sir  Knights  were  compelled  to  leave  the  festive 
board  and  take  passage  in  the  three  o'clock  train  for 
Philadelphia.  They  bade  adieu  to  their  "Washington 
friends  with  reluctance,  and  in  due  time  were  on  the  road 
to  Baltimore,  with  hearts  full  of  grateful  recollections  of 
their  Southern  pilgrimage. 


OF   THE   KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  igl 


CHAPTER    XI. 


The  Pilgkims  ljj  the  Quaker  City.  — Return  to  New  York. — 
A  Night  upon  Loxg  Isi^\.xd  Souxd.  —  Reception  in  Provi- 
dence. 


The  pilgrim  Knights  arrived  iu  Philadelphia  at  half 
past  ten  o'clock,  on  Saturday  evening,  in  fine  spirits.  The 
De  Molay  Encampment  proceeded  to  the  Girard  Hotel, 
where  quarters  had  been  engaged  by  their  committee  of 
arrangements,  and  were  soon  made  exceedingly  comfort- 
able. The  St.  John's  Encampment  found  excellent 
quarters  at  the  American  Hotel,  whei'e  the  committee 
had  also  secured  accommodations  in  advance  of  their 
arrival. 

The  Regalia  of  both  Encampments  had  been  packed 
up  in  Washington,  not  to  be  again  used  until  their  arrival 
in  Providence.  The  Sir  Knights  now  began  to  feel  the 
magnetic  attraction  of  home,  a  foi'ce  which  had  but  little 
effect  upon  them  while  they  remained  within  the  circle  of 
Richmond  influences,  but  which  grew  stronger  in  direct 
ratio  as  the  distance  was  lessened  between  them  and 
Providence  and  Boston.  Having  broken  the  bands  of 
their  "captivity"  in  Virginia,  they  felt  a  strong  desire 
to  meet  their  brothers  at  home,  and  recount  to  them  the 
experiences  of  their  pilgrimage.     They  were  laden  with 


182  PILGRIMAGE  TO   \1RGINIA 

reminiscences,  whose  rehearsal  they  knew  would  afford  to 
their  friends  in  some  degree  the  pleasure  they  had  them- 
selves enjoyed.  Each  had  his  stock  of  personal  anecdotes 
to  relate,  in  addition  to  the  public  demonstrations  in  which 
all  participated  alike. 

The  banquets  and  festivals  of  various  kinds,  given  in 
their  honor,  were  feasts  of  fat  things.  While  the  senses 
were  regaled,  the  mind  was  delighted  with  the  elimina- 
tion of  patriotic  and  social  sentiments  which  move  the 
heart,  and  wit  and  humor  that  animate  the  soul.  Of 
course,  the  simple  record  of  speeches  and  toasts  cannot 
give  the  reader  an  idea  of  what  was  really  done  and  said 
and  enjoyed  by  the  company  at  the  feast.  There  are  a 
thousand  flashes  of  wit,  and  manifestations  of  feeling,  as 
evanescent  as  lightning  or  the  topmost  sparkles  of  the 
overflowing  wine-cup,  which  leave  an  indehble  impres- 
sion on  the  memory,  but  cannot  be  recorded.  With  their 
hearts  full  of  these,  and  of  the  richer  and  better  experi- 
ences they  had  enjoyed  in  the  households  of  their  South- 
ern friends,  the  pilgrims  were  returning,  not  unwillingly, 
at  this  stage  of  their  journey  at  least,  to  impart  to  their 
brethren  and  friends,  in  familiar  conversation,  some  idea 
of  the  height,  breadth,  and  depth  of  the  fraternal  kind- 
ness and  hospitality  of  Virginians. 

Sunday  was  a  welcome  day  of  rest,  and  its  tranquillity 
in  the  Quaker  city  was  highly  enjoyed  by  the  Templars. 
They  attended  Divine  service  in  various  churches,  and 
were  edified  by  the  ministrations  of  some  of  the  most  elo- 
quent pulpit  orators  in  Philadelphia. 

The  new  Masonic  Temple  on  Chestnut  Street,  the  finest 
building  of  the  kind  in  America,  and  perhaps  in  the 
world,  was  thrown  open  during  the  day  for  the  inspec- 
tion of  the  visiting  Knights,  and  they  spent  some  time  in 


OF   THE   KXIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  133 

admiring  its  manifold  beauties.  Tlie  entire  establishment 
cost  three  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  in  its  various 
departments  it  presents  a  wonderful  specimen  of  the  art 
of  architectural  decoration.  The  frescoing  and  draperies 
of  the  halls  of  the  Blue  Lodge,  the  Chapter,  the  Encamp- 
ment, and  the  Grand  Lodge,  are  marvellously  beautiful, 
and  at  the  same  time  most  appropriate  to  the  Masonic 
institution.  The  Encampment  is  a  fac-simile  of  the 
tent-room  of  the  Knights  of  Ehodes,  as  described  by  Sir 
Walter  Scott.  This  grand  temple  of  Masonry  is  justly 
the  pride  of  the  fraternity  in  Philadelphia.  In  all  its 
halls  and  apartments  there  reigns  a  solemn  beauty,  or  a 
beautiful  solemnity,  entirely  consonant  with  the  spirit  and 
principles  of  the  Order  to  which  it  is  dedicated. 

The  Sir  Knights  met,  individually,  many  of  their 
brethren  of  the  mystic  tie,  but  there  was  no  opportunity 
for  public  demonstrations  between  them.  They  enjoyed, 
however,  in  private,  many  warm  congratulations  upon  the 
success  of  their  pilgrimage,  and  kind  wishes  for  their  safe 
return  to  their  homes. 

On  Monday  morning,  the  pilgrims  bade  adieu  to  Phila- 
delphia, and  took  the  cars  for  New  York.  The  trip 
through  New  Jersey  was  a  delightful  one.  The  weather 
was  brilliant.  The  fields  and  gardens  looked  much 
fresher  and  more  luxuriant  than  they  did  upon  the  out- 
ward trip  of  the  company.  All  Nature  seemed  to  smile 
upon  New  Jersey. 

New  York  was  reached  in  due  time,  and  the  Knights 
dined,  informally,  at  the  Aster  House.  They  met  at  five 
o'clock  on  board  the  steamer  of  the  Stonington  line,  and 
continued  their  journey.  Their  passage  through  Long 
Island  Sound  was  a  remarkably  pleasant  one.  The  water 
was  as  placid  as  an  inland  lake,  and  as  the  day  faded  into 


184  PILGRIMAGE   TO  MEGINIA 

twilight,  and  the  twilight  gave  place  to  starlight,  while 
the  steamer  was  rapidly  speeding  them  homewai'd,  the 
thrilling  music  of  the  bands  cheered  and  enlivened  the 
hearts  of  the  company. 

At  half  past  nine  o'clock,  a  convocation  of  Templars 
was  called  in  the  lower  cabin  of  the  boat,  and  Sir  Knight 
S.  D.  Nickerson  presented,  in  behalf  of  De  Molay  En- 
campment, a  handsome  silver  goblet,  containing  fifty  dol- 
lars in  gold  coin,  to  P.  S.  Gilmore,  Leader  of  Gilmore's 
Baind.  The  presenter  said,  that  this  was  intended  as  a 
testimonial  to  IMi*.  Gilmore's  professional  skill,  and  also  to 
the  correct  and  gentlemanly  deportment  of  himself  and 
his  band,  which  had  reflected  credit  upon  themselves  and 
upon  the  Sir  Knights  who  had  employed  them  during 
this  excursion.  They  had  deported  themselves  with  dig- 
nity and  decorum,  and  had  always  responded  cheerfully 
to  the  frequent  calls  for  their  services  by  day  or  night. 
He  asked  Mr.  Gilmore  to  accept  the  present,  with  the 
best  wishes  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  for  the  health 
and  prosperity  of  himself  and  his  baud. 

Mr.  Gihnore  returned  his  thanks  Avith  much  feeling, 
and  his  friends  of  the  Providence  Band  played  '"Auld 
Lang  Syne,"  and  several  other  airs.  The  goblet  pre- 
sented to  Mr.  Gilmore  bears  the  following  inscription :  — 
"  Presented  to  P.  S.  Gilmore,  by  the  members  of  the  De 
Molay  Encampment  of  Knights  Templars,  to  commemo- 
rate their  appreciation  of  his  courteous  and  obliging  dis- 
position, as  displayed  upon  the  occasion  of  their  visit  to 
Richmond,  Virginia,  May,  1859." 

After  the  presentation,  the  Sir  Knights  were  requested 
by  Commander  Parkman  to  pay  theii*  respects  to  Sir 
Knight  Crozier,  Commander  of  the  Palestine  Encamp- 
ment, Knights  Templars,  of  New  York,  who  had  sent  on 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  185 

board  the  boat  certain  baskets  of  a  poi)ular  sparkling 
beverage.  The  health  of  Sir  Knight  Crozier  was  drunk 
with  enthusiasm,  and  brief  speeches  were  made  by  Sir 
Knights  Lewis,  Fhut,  Stimson,  Fowls,  and  Damrell,  of 
Boston,  and  Hart  of  the  Palestine  Encampment,  New 
York.  After  this  pleasant  reunion,  the  Templars  retired 
to  their  state-rooms. 

The  steamer  arrived  at  Stonington  at  the  usual  hour, 
one  o'clock ;  but  by  a  convenient,  wise,  and  humane 
arrangement  of  their  committee,  the  Sir  Knights  were 
not  called  from  their  berths  to  take  the  steamboat  train. 
They  enjoyed  their  slumbers  until  sunrise,  and  then  took 
breakfast  on  board  the  steamer.  The  morning  was  a 
briUiant  one,  and  many  of  the  Pilgrims  strolled  through 
the  quiet  streets  of  Stonington,  mhaling  the  delicious 
atmosphere,  an  hour  before  their  departure  for  Provi- 
dence. 

At  half  past  six  o'clock,  the  bands  played  a  parting 
tune,  and  the  company  took  their  seats  in  tlie  cars,  and 
were  whirled  along  through  smiling  fields  and  groves 
to  the  city  of  Providence.  On  reaching  that  city,  they 
found  its  population  in  a  state  of  unusual  excitement. 
As  the  train  api)roached  the  Depot,  the  Marine  Corps  of 
Artillery,  stationed  near  it,  fired  a  salute  of  welcome, 
which  shook  the  surrounding  buildings,  and  scattered 
loud  reverberations  far  and  wide. 

The  Encampments  were  immediately  conducted  to  the 
large  hall  of  the  Depot,  where  cooling  refreshments  were 
in  readiness,  and  where  they  put  on  their  regalia,  pre- 
paratory to  a  reception  and  parade  to  which  they  liad 
been  invited  by  the  Masonic  brethren  of  Pro\i(lcnce, 
whose  committee  were  in  waiting  on  their  arrival.  Thi' 
armory  of  the  National  Cadets,  adjoining  Kaih-oad  Hall. 


186  PILGRDIAGE   TO  VIKGINIA 

was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment. 

After  the  returning  Pilgrims  were  dusted,  washed,  and 
refreshed,  and  had  arrayed  themselves  in  full  regalia, 
they  were  marshalled  forth  to  Exchange  Place,  where 
they  were  received  in  military  style  by  the  Masons,  who 
numbered  nearly  four  hundred.  Exchange  Place  was  in 
a  blaze  of  excitement,  and  the  city  generally  presented  a 
holiday  appearance.  The  streets  through  which  the  pro- 
cession was  to  move  were  lined  with  spectators,  a  large 
proportion  of  whom  wei'e  ladies.  Flags  were  suspended 
in  conspicuous  places,  and  several  of  the  large  buildings 
were  dressed  in  bunting.  The  "  What  Cheer  "  building 
was  handsomely  decorated,  and  bore  the  inscription,  — 

'"  Welcome,  Knights  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island ! " 

The  Arcade,  which  afforded  a  favorable  point  of  ob- 
servation of  the  procession  from  its  terraces,  was 
crowded  with  ladies,  and  looked  like  a  bed  of  roses. 
Several  other  buildings  presented  a  rich  display  of  fe- 
male beauty. 

When  the  reception  ceremony  was  over,  the  Masons 
and  Knights  Templars  formed  into  a  marching  column, 
and  passed  through  the  principal  streets.  The  Masons 
were  headed  by  Gilmore's  Band  of  Pawtucket,  and 
Colonel  Nicholas  Van  Slyck  acted  as  chief  marshal. 

The  procession  moved  through  Canal  Street  to  Market 
Square,  thence  through  North  Main,  Meeting,  Benefit, 
Power,  South  Main,  Broad,  High,  and  Westminster 
Streets,  into  Dorrance  Street,  to  Swart's  Hall.  Multi- 
tudes of  admiring  spectators  filled  the  sidewalks  and  the 
windows  along  the  entire  route,  and  the  utmost  interest 
was  manifested  in   the   beautiful   and   unusual  display. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  187 

One  of  the  most  interesting  features  of  the  procession 
Tvas  a  number  of  tandem  carriages  occupied  by  aged  and 
venerable  members  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Follow- 
ing in  the  rear  was  a  company  of  juveniles,  dressed  in 
complete  mihtary  uniform,  who  performed  coiTectly  the 
ordinary  military  evolutions.  Swart's  Hall  was  gayly 
and  tastefuUy  adorned  with  bunting,  evergreens,  flowers, 
and  Masonic  emblems.  The  galleries  were  fiUed  with 
ladies,  many  of  whom  were  wives  and  relatives  of  the 
members  of  St.  John's  Encampment,  assembled  to  wit- 
ness the  festival  in  honor  of  their  return. 

Tables  were  ranged  around  the  hall,  loaded  with  every 
comestable  that  could  tempt  the  appetite  of  a  pilgrim, 
and  in  the  centre  of  the  hall  was  a  "  centre  table,"  on 
which  were  spread  a  variety  of  cooling  beverages,  emi- 
nently fitted  to  assuage  the  thirst  of  such  as  had  been 
engaged  in  a  military  march. 

When  the  Templars  had  entered  the  Hall,  and  the 
bands  had  played  some  introductory  2)ieces,  Thomas  A. 
Doyle,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Masonic  Committee  of 
Arrangements,  addressed  Commander  Barker,  of  St. 
John's  Encampment,  as  follows  :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander,  —  It  is  my  pleasant  duty,  on  the 
part  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  of  Providence,  to  bi|i  you  wel- 
come home,  and  in  their  name  to  extend  to  our  brethren  of 
De  Molay  Encampment  a  cordial  greeting  to  our  city.  We, 
who  were  obliged  to  remain  at  home,  have  read  over  and  over 
again  the  glowing  accounts  which  liavc  come  to  us  of  the  in- 
cidents connected  with  your  trip,  and  arc  oompellcd  to  believe 
that  they  after  all  convey  Vjut  a  sliglit  impression  of  the  reali- 
ties of  the  journey. 

Never,  sir,  has  a  body  of  men  been  so  elegantly,  so  munifi- 
cently entertained;  all  that  taste  or  refinement  could  devise, 
or  wealth  procure,  has  been  lavished  upon  you.     Profusion 


188  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

has  marked  your  progress,  and  it  has  seemed  as  if  there  really 
was  danger  that  you  might  be  killed  with  kindness.  The  meas- 
ure meted  by  De  Molays  and  St.  Johns  to  the  Knights  of  Vir- 
ginia has  indeed  been  returned  to  you,  "pressed  down,  shaken 
together,  and  running  over."  Never  did  a  band  of  Knights, 
in  the  brightest  days  of  chivalry,  on  any  tour  of  pilgrimage, 
find  warmer  hands  or  more  loving  hearts  than  you  have  found 
among  your  brethi-en,  and  never  did  Knights  of  old  get 
sweeter  smiles  from  women's  lips,  or  brighter  glances  from 
their  eyes,  than  have  fallen  to  your  share,  from  the  ladies  of 
the  South. 

The  hospitality  of  Virginia  !  Vvlio  that  has  ever  heard  of 
her,  has  not  heard  of  that  ?  Famous  in  the  olden  time,  her  chil- 
dren of  the  present  have  proved  worthy  of  their  sires,  and  now 
in  every  portion  of  our  land  the  name  of  the  mother  of  states- 
men and  heroes  is  being  sounded  with  new  praises,  and  a  new 
lustre  brightening  her  escutcheon. 

Noble  Virginia !  knowing  no  section,  no  North  or  South, 
come  fi-om  whatsoever  quarter  the  stranger  may,  her  homes 
are  ready  to  receive  him,  her  hands  ready  to  welcome  him. 
How  could  it  be  otherwise  ?  The  State  that  gave  birth  to 
Washington  can  never  be  unfaithful  to  her  trust.  And,  sir,  for 
what  they  have  done  unto  you,  we  thank  them ;  —  as  citizens  of 
Rhode  Island  we  thank  them,  and  as  Masons,  in  the  name  of 
Masons,  we  thank  them.  Let  the  obligations  we  feel  bind  us 
.  still  stronger  to  each  other,  still  stronger  to  our  country,  to 
Masonry.   , 

Sir  Knights  of  De  Molay  Encampment,  you  are  not  stran- 
gers in  a  strange  land,  but  pilgrims,  passing  to  J'our  homes 
through  a  country  conquered  by  you,  and  brought  under  full 
subjection,  two  years  since.  We  rejoice  at  this  opportunity  to 
prove  ourselves  still  loyal.  Your  limited  stay  with  us  pre- 
vented such  an  entertainment  as  we  desired  and  deemed 
worthy  of  the  occasion ;  to  this  simple  refreshment,  therefore, 
true  and  courteous  Knights,  we  invite  you. 

Your  own  State  has  compressed  ours  so  tightly  as  to  leave 
us  but  little  territory  to  speak  of,  and  is  even  now  endeavor- 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEifPLARS.  189 

Ing  to  obtain  a  part  of  that  little ;  yet  in  onr  first  days,  with 
true  sisterlj'  kindness,  she  gave  iis  Roger  Williams,  and  in  con- 
sideration of  that,  for  all  her  offences  since  we  pardon  her, 
and  to  prove  the  sincerity  of  our  forgiveness,  we  bid  you  come 
again  when  you  will ;  only  stay  long  enough  to  put  our  profes- 
sions to  the  test,  and  you  shall  not  find  us  wanting. 

But  I  have  detained  you  too  long  ;  it  was  but  my  duty  to 
say  the  word  of  welcome,  which  I  again  do.  Welcome,  Sir 
Knights,  thrice  welcome  to  Providence,  to  your  homes. 

Commander  Barker  introduced  Commander  Park  man, 
of  De  Molay  Encampment,  and  that  eminent  Sir  Knight 
responded  happily,  in  a  pleasant  speech,  wherein  he 
recounted  some  of  the  scenes  witnessed  by  the  pilgrims 
in  Virginia,  and  the  adventui-es  they  had  passed  tlirough. 
He  paid  a  hearty  compliment  to  the  hospitality  of  the 
Virginians,  and  the  attractiveness  of  their  ladies. 

Commander  Barker  returned  his  thanks  to  the  com- 
mittee of  arrangements,  and  througli  them  to  the  Masonic 
brethren  of  Providence,  for  the  generous  and  hospitable 
reception  they  had  given  the  returning  pilgrims.  He 
called  upon  Grand  Master  Lewis,  and  that  most  eminent 
Sir  Knight  replied  in  a  brief  speech,  full  of  cordial  fra- 
ternal sentiments  towards  the  brethren  of  the  mystic  tie 
in  Providence,  by  whom  tlie  Templars  had  been  so 
warmly  welcomed.  He  also  extolled  in  the  wannest 
terms  the  hospitality  of  the  "  Old  Dominion."  He  said, 
every  card  in  the  pack  there  is  a  trump,  —  every  man  a 
true  gentleman,  and  every  lady  an  excellent  woman.  He 
said,  their  pilgrimage  was  about  ending,  and  he  <lid  not 
believe  that,  if  it  were  to  last  ten  year.«,  any  one  of  the 
Knights  would  ask  a  remission  from  tlic  ]\Iost  Kniincnt 
Grand  Commander.  In  conclusion  he  gave  this  senti- 
ment :  — 


190  PILGEIMAGE  TO  VIEGINIA 

Knights  Templars,  in  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island:  They 
were  born  almost  at  the  same  time  ;  they  have  never  been 
divided ;  may  they  ever  be,  like  the  Siamese  twins,  one  and 
inseparable.  « 

The  Grand  Chaplain,  Rev.  Mr.  Carpenter  of  Provi- 
dence, then  asked  a  blessing  on  the  feast,  and  the  Sir 
Knights  regaled  themselves  upon  the  delicacies  spread 
before  them. 

Upon  the  platform  occupied  by  the  officers  of  the  En- 
campments and  the  committee  of  arrangements  sat  ]Mi'. 
Moses  B.  Richardson,  wjio  is  regarded  by  the  Masonic 
brethren  with  a  tender  respect  amounting  almost  to 
veneration,  from  the  fact,  that  when,  during  the  famous 
Anti-masonic  excitement,  the  Legislature  of  Rhode  Island 
commanded  all  Masonic  Lodges  in  that  State  to  surrender 
their  charters,  he  saved  and  preserved  the  charter  of  St. 
John's  Encampment.  Mr.  Richardson  is  eighty-five  years 
old,  and  when  a  beautiful  wreath,  presented  by  a  lady, 
was  placed  upon  his  head  as  he  sat  upon  the  platform, 
the  contrast  between  the  fresh  and  tender  flowers  and  his 
hair,  whitened  with  age,  was  touching  to  behold. ' 

The  Sir  Knights  arrived  in  the  hall  at  half  past  eleven 
o'clock,  and  remained  until  about  one  o'clock.  Just  before 
their  departure,  hiis  Excellency  Governor  Dyer,  Chief 
Magistrate  of  Rhode  Island,  entered  the  hall,  and  was 
greeted  with  enthusiastic  applause.  He  made  a  brief 
speech  from  the  platfoi-m,  expressing  his  gratification  at 
the  late  intermingling  of  fraternal  feeling  between  the  Sir 
Knights  of  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  Virginia. 
He  welcomed  the  return  of  the  New  England  Pilgrims, 
and  wished  the  De  Molay  Encampment  a  safe  journey  on 
their  return  home. 

The  ladies  in  the  galleries  looked  down  upon  the  festiv- 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  191 

ities  in  the  hall  with  interest,  and  the  eyes  of  many  of  the 
fair  throng  sparkled  with  peculiai'  pleasure  as  they  wit- 
nessed the  return  of  their  husbands  from  their  two  weeks' 
pilgrimage. 

At  one  o'clock  the  Encampments  returned  to  the  Depot, 
where  a  general  fraternization  took  place  between  them, 
previous  to  the  departure  of  the  De  Molays  for  Boston,  at 
two  o'clock. 


192  PILGEIMAGE  TO   \^RGrNIA 


CHAPTER    XII 


EeTUKN    of    the    De  ilOLAY    ExCAMPMENT.  —  RECEPTION    OF    THE 

Pilgrims  at  Roxburt  by  the  Boston  Encampment.  —  Grand 
Parade  in  Boston.  —  Festival  in  Nassau  Hall. 


The  Knights  Templars  marched  from  Swart's  Hall  to 
the  Depot  to  the  music  of  "  Carry  me  back  to  Old  Vir- 
ginia," and  each  one  of  the  De  Molays  bore  a  hand- 
some bouquet,  presented  by  the  ladies  of  Providence.  A 
special  train  had  been  provided  by  the  Committee,  to 
start  towards  Boston  at  two  o'clock,  and  the  Boston  Sir 
Knights  at  that  hour  parted  from  their  brother  pilgrims 
of  the  St.  John's  Encampment  with  many  a  hearty  grip  of 
the  hand,  and  kind  farewell  greeting. 

A  great  multitude  assembled  to  witness  the  depai'ture, 
and  Avhen  the  train  left  the  Depot,  the  air  was  rent  with 
cheers  from  both  Encampments  and  from  the  spectators 
of  the  scene. 

The  train  reached  Roxbury  Crossing  about  four  o'clock, 
and  a  committee  conducted  the  Sir  Knights  of  De  Molay 
to  the  Norfolk  House,  where  the  Boston  Encampment 
were  waiting  to  receive  the  returning  pilgrims. 

The  Boston  Encampment,  Wm.  ElUson,  M.  E.  Grand 
Commander,  numbered  nearly  two  hundred  Knights, 
dressed  in  full  regalia.      They   were   accompanied  by 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  193 

Hall's  Brass  Band,  and  their  appearance  was  in  every 
way  worthy  of  the  noble  Order  to  which  they  belong, 
and  whose  fraternal  principles  they  illustrated  in  the 
happiest  manner  on  this  occasion. 

A  large  throng  of  spectators  was  gathered  in  Eliot 
Square,  to  witness  the  reception  of  the  De  Molay  En- 
campment, and  they  received  the  Templars  with  shouts  of 
welcome.  After  the  formal  reception  had  taken  place,  the 
Templars  formed  a  marching  column,  and  the  De  Molays 
were  escorted  by  the  Boston  Encampment  over  Roxbury 
Neck  to  Boston. 

The  line  of  march  was  through  Dudley  and  Washing- 
ton Streets,  to  Boston;  then  through  "Wasliington  and 
Davis  Streets  to  Harrison  Avenue,  down  Harrison  Ave- 
nue to  Essex  Street,  into  Washington  Street,  down  Wash- 
ington Street  to  Court  Street,  up  Court  to  Tremont 
Street,  and  through  Tremont  Street  to  Common  Street, 
into  Nassua  Hall. 

The  knightly  procession  made  a  beautiful  and  imposing 
display,  as  it  moved  through  the  principal  streets  under 
the  gaze  of  tens  of  thousands  of  the  citizens,  whose  coun- 
tenances glowed  with  pride  as  they  looked  upon  this 
exhibition  of  what  they  evidently  considered  the  flower  of 
Massachusetts  Masonry.  For  hours  before  the  proces- 
sion arrived,  every  street  corner  and  other  available 
locality  was  thronged  by  eager  crowds,  impatient  to  see 
the  returned  pilgrims  and  their  brethren.  A  large  force 
of  Boston  police  had  been  detailed  to  accompany  the 
procession  from  Roxbury  through  the  entire  route,  to 
preserve  order  and  prevent  any  interruption  of  the  march. 
So  great  was  the  crowd  at  some  points,  that  their  ser- 
vices were  found  indispensable  in  clearing  a  passage  for 
the  Sir  Knights. 

13 


194  PILGRIMAGE  TO   \nRGINIA 

As  the  column  marched  along,  to  the  sound  of  the 
inspirmg  music  of  the  bands,  there  were  incessant  demon- 
strations of  delight  at  the  safe  retm*n  of  the  Pilgrims. 
Handkerchiefs  were  waved  from  windows,  and  personal 
greetings  from  full  hearts,  all  along  the  lines  of  spectators, 
saluted  the  Sir  Knights  of  De  Molay.  Thousands  of  the 
lookers-on  envied  them  the  rich  experiences  of  their 
pilgrimage,  and  other  thousands  scrutinized  them  curi- 
ously, to  see  how  men  would  look  who  had  enjoyed  such 
pleasures  in  a  Southern  State  as  had  been  described  in 
the  pubhc  prints  dui'ing  their  sojourn  in  Richmond.  War- 
riors retm'ning  from  a  brilliant  campaign,  decked  Avith 
laurels,  could  hardly  have  excited  more  interest  and  been 
looked  upon  with  greater  admiration,  or  received  with 
more  abundant  tokens  of  respect,  than  were  these  Knights, 
who  had  so  worthily  rejiresented  their  native  city  and 
State  in  a  distant  city  and  State  of  our  great  confederacy. 

When  they  arrived  at  Nassau  Hall,  the  pilgrims  re- 
moved their  regalia  and  the  dust  of  travel,  and  after  a 
season  spent  in  an  exchange  of  greetings  and  congratula- 
tions with  their  brothers  of  the  Boston  Encampment,  they 
were  ushered  into  an  upper  hall,  where  an  elegant  and 
bountiful  i-epast  was  spread  before  them. 

The  company  was  called  to  order  by  Commander  Elli- 
son, of  the  Boston  Encampment,  and  the  Prelate,  Rev. 
WiUiam  R.  Alger,  offered  a  prayer  appropriate  to  the 
occasion. 

The  Sir  Knights  then  proceeded  to  refresh  them- 
selves by  partaking  of  the  luxuries  with  which  the  hos- 
pitable board  was  crowned.  A  vigorous  attack  was  made 
upon  the  feast,  but  the  supply  proved  inexhaustible,  and 
they  were  at  length  compelled  to  desist.  They  drew  off 
their  forces  in  good  order,  and  gave  their  attention  to  the 
intellectual  entertaimnent  which  followed  the  banquet. 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TEMPLARS.  195 

Commander  Ellison  first  addressed  the  Sir  Knights. 
He  said :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  —  After  your 
return  from  a  journey  which  from  its  length  must  have  been 
necessarily  quite  fatiguing,  it  would  ill  become  me  to  tres- 
pass upon  your  time  and  patience  with  anything  like  a  set 
speech.  As  Commander  of  the  Boston  Encampment,  it  is, 
however,  my  duty,  as  well  as  my  pleasure,  to  bid  you  a  cordial 
welcome  back  to  your  homes,  your  families,  and  yom-  friends. 
It  is  well  known  that  yom-  journey  and  your  visit  in  Richmond 
have  been  a  series  of  ovations ;  and  while  such  a  state  of  things 
could  not  fail  to  afford  us  and  yourselves  great  delight,  what 
else  could  have  been  expected  fi-om  a  land  which  gave  birth 
to  Washington,  Jefferson,  Patrick  Henry,  and  numerous  other 
eminent  men,  whose  names  adorn  the  pages  of  our  country's 
history  ? 

The  kindness  shown  you  by  your  entertainers  in  Virginia 
is  felt  as  a  compliment  to  us,  as  well  as  to  you.  The  i-eception 
you  have  met  with  in  Richmond,  during  the  past  week,  has 
reduced  our  hearts  to  perpetual  bondage  to  our  friends  there, 
and  I  am  afraid  we  can  never  prove  ourselves  sufficiently 
grateful  for  the  kindness  bestowed  upon  you  as  Sir  Knights 
and  New-Englanders.  God  bless  the  noble  Knights  of  Rich- 
mond !     We  can  never  forget  them. 

This  interchange  of  knightly  courtesies  between  members 
of  the  same  Order,  from  all  parts  of  a  common  country,  has 
a  further  and  deeper  and  better  effect  than  the  enjoyment  of 
a  few  passing  hours  of  pleasure.  It  makes  men  better  Masons, 
better  husbands  and  fathers,  better  members  of  society,  better 
men,  and  serves  to  strengthen  the  great  fabric  througli  the 
existence  and  safety  and  permanency  of  which  we  enjoy  all 
the  blessings  of  a  free,  mighty,  and  united  peopk'.  Our  Ma- 
sonic ritual  teaches  us  to  look  upon  those  of  (he  Soutli  as 
brothers,  whom  we  arc  not  to  meet  with  jealousies  and  heart- 
burnings, but  "  with  the  timbrel  and  the  song."  Tliis  inli-r- 
change  of  knightly  courtesies,  in  which  you  have  participated, 


196  PILGKIMAGE   TO  VIRGINIA 

and  wliich  you  so  mucli  enjoyed,  will  not  only  tend  to  give 
vitality  and  perpetuity  to  our  social  and  political  interests,  but 
an  additional  benefit  is  exhibited  in  bringing  around  the  festive 
board  the  members  of  the  De  Molay  and  the  Boston  Encamp- 
ments. This  occasion  is  an  oasis  in  Free  Masonrj-,  —  not  an 
oasis  in  the  desert,  for  there  Is  no  desert,  no  waste  place,  in 
this  holy  fraternity,  no  spot  unsanctified  by  the  noblest  senti- 
ments. The  office  of  Masonry  is  a  high  and  noble  one,  and 
we  cannot  fail  to  rejoice  in  such  an  evidence  as  this  that  it  Is 
fulfilling  its  mission,  and  that  the  onward  progress  of  the  insti- 
tution is  peaceful  and  happy. 

Sir  Knights,  again  I  bid  you  welcome  !  and  most  heartily  do 
I  congratulate  you  on  your  safe  return  to  your  families,  your 
friends,  and  your  homes. 

Commander  Ellison  was  loudly  applauded  during  the 
delivery  of  his  address. 

M.  E.  Grand  Commander  Parkman,  of  the  De  Molay 
Encampment  responded  substantially  as  follows  :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander  and  Sir  Knights,  —  I  must  con- 
fess my  inability  to  find  words  adequate  to  express  the  senti- 
ments and  portray  the  feelings  of  my  heart,  and  of  the  hearts 
of  the  Knights  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  on  this  occasion, 
although  I  have  been  called  upon  so  often  during  our  pilgrim- 
age to  speak  In  behalf  of  the  De  Molays,  that  even  a  new 
beginner,  as  I  was,  should  have  learned  something  of  the  art 
of  public  speaking.  I  cannot  find  language  to  thank  you  in 
appropriate  terms  for  this  kind,  this  glorious  welcome. 

During  our  visit  to  Vii-ginia,  we  have  met,  I  can  assure  you, 
the  most  kind  and  cordial  welcome  fi-om  our  brother  Sir 
Knights,  and  from  all  the  citizens  of  the  Old  Dominion  with 
whom  we  were  brought  In  contact.  No  language  of  mine  can 
describe  to  you  the  glorious  reception  we  met  with  every- 
where on  our  pilgrimage.  Governor  "Wise  received  us  with  a 
speech  such  as  he  only  can  make,  which  was  full  of  the  gener- 
ous feeling  of  a  Virginian.     You  have  all  heard  of  Virginia 


OF  THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  197 

hospitality ;  but  none  can  really  know  what  that  is  until  he 
stands  upon  their  soil,  and  sees  and  experiences  it.  Notwith- 
standing we  came  from  Massachusetts,  we  were  made  to  feel 
it  in  its  broadest  and  fullest  extent. 

We  did  not  go  there  as  delegates  to  a  convention,  but  we 
went  to  kindle  anew  the  fires  of  patriotism  and  brotherly  love 
that  first  blazed  upward  on  this  continent,  in  Massachusetts 
and  Virginia ;  and  I  conceive  that  we  have  been  the  humble 
instruments  of  sowing  the  seeds  of  a  conservative  influence, 
which  strengthen  the  common  bond  which  binds  together  the 
hearts  of  true  men  in  the  North  and  the  South. 

My  feelings  to-day  are  the  proudest  I  have  experienced 
since  I  became  connected  with  Free-Masonry,  for  I  am  sure 
that  the  principles  of  the  fraternity  of  Masons  will  exercise  an 
influence  —  not  a  poUtical  influence,  but  something  higher 
than  that  —  which  shall  tend  to  preserve  and  strengthen  the 
bonds  which  unite  our  great  fraternity  of  States. 

And  now,  Sir  Knights,  that  we  have  returned  to  our  homes, 
we  meet  the  greatest  kindness  of  all,  and  we  have  to  thank 
you  most  sincerely  for  this  crowning  joy  of  our  pilgrimage, 
this  glorious  reunion  of  the  Boston  and  the  De  Molay  En- 
campments. 

Hearty  applause  followed  this  speech  of  Commander 
Parkman.  Sir  Knight  William  B.  Hubbard,  of  Columbus, 
Ohio,  Grand  Commander  of  the  Gi-and  Encam])nient  of 
the  United  States,  was  introduced  amid  great  applauso 
and  said :  — 

Sir  Knights  of  Boston  and  De  Molay  Encampments,  —  I 
thank  you  for  your  kind  call  and  greeting.  Being  in  this  city 
for  the  transaction  of  private  business,  I  have  delayed  at  all 
hazards  my  return  home,  in  order  to  witness  the  display  of  this 
occasion,  and  meet  my  worthy  fellow-Knights  of  Boston.  I 
believe  that  I  do  no  discredit  to  others  when  I  aflirni,  tliat  tlie 
Sir  Knights  of  the  two  Encampments  of  Boston  arc  aiiiniii:  the 
first  and  foremost  in  this  country,  and  I  say  tiiis  witli  ,ill  tin; 


198  PILGRIMAGE   TO   \1EGIXIA 

experience  I  possess  as  Grand  Commander  of  tlie  Grand  En- 
campment. To  be  with  you  at  tliis  liour  is  a  pleasm-e  almost 
inexpressible. 

I  have  arrived  at  such  an  age  that  I  cannot  expect  ever  to 
address  you  again  in  the  official  capacity  I  now  hold  ;  and  let 
me  say,  that  you  are  hardly  aware  of  the  influence  you  pos- 
sess in  upholding  the  right,  and  in  repressing  dissensions  that 
might  be  injurious  to  our  great  commonwealth  of  States.  I 
am  proud  that  I  was  born  of  New  England  parentage,  for  the 
Free-Masonry  of  the  United  States  had  its  nursery  in  New 
England.  I  have  been  a  Mason  during  almost  my  whole  life, 
and  am  proud  to  say  that  I  have  never  wavered  in  my  un- 
swerving fidelity  to  Slasonry. 

It  was  the  influence  of  the  older  States,  where  Masonry  in 
this  country  first  took  root,  that  caused  the  whole  to  be  com- 
bined as  a  unit,  and  in  feeling,  as  in  fact,  to  march  shoulder 
to  shoulder  in  the  cause  of  right  and  truth.  So  may  we  go 
through  life,  and  so  may  we  die,  —  raising  up  a  host  to  the 
Almighty,  in  which  may  be  found  all  our  blessed  Order  ! 

On  previous  occasions,  when  it  was  appropriate,  I  have 
expressed  the  firm  belief  that  Boston  should  be  the  head- 
quarters of  the  grand  army  of  the  Knights  Templars.  I  have 
done  so  for  various  reasons  which  it  would  not  be  appropriate 
to  discuss  now.  But  one  of  the  reasons  is,  that  here  are  to  be 
found  such  worthy  exemplars  of  Knight-Templarism  as  the 
Boston  and  De  Molay  Encampments.  The  invariable  loyalty 
and  integrity  of  your  two  Encampments  give  you  to  enjoy  an 
influence,  I  assure  j'ou,  far  beyond  your  present  appreciation. 
And  this  influence  gives  you  a  high  duty  to  perform,  and  that 
duty  is  of  high  importance  to  the  welfare  of  the  Order.  Love 
of  country,  Sir  Knights,  was  always  considered  one  of  the 
great  means  of  consolidating  the  Union,  and  I  believe  that 
love  of  country  predominates  in  the  heart  of  every  Mason.  I 
have  never  yet  found  among  Masons  the  man  that  had  one 
breath  of  disunion  in  his  soul. 

During  my  long  Masonic  life,  I  have  sought  diligently  to 
build  up  Masonry,  because  I  knew  its  pi-inciples  were  sacred; 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TESffLAES.  199 

and  it  is  one  of  my  proudest  boasts,  that  while,  in  the  roign 
of  fanaticism  and  bitter  animosity,  others  may  have  deserted 
its  banner,  I  remained  steadfast. 

In  conclusion.  Sir  Knights,  permit  me  to  invite  you  to  wait 
upon  me  at  my  home  in  Columbus,  Ohio.  I  should  be  most 
happy  to  greet  you  there ;  I  have  a  large  house,  and  I  will 
assure  you  that  I  have  also  plenty  of  obliging  and  hospitable 
neighbors.  Come  there,  Sir  Knights,  and  I  wQl,  to  the  best  of 
my  power,  reciprocate  your  kindness. 

The  speech  of  the  General  Grand  Commander  was 
listened  to  with  deep  interest  and  much  gratification,  and 
the  speaker  sat  down  amid  loud  cheering. 

Sir  Knight  TVyzeman  Marshall  then  read  the  follow- 
ing original  poem  of  welcome  to  the  De  Molays,  written 
by  Sir  Knight  John  K.  Hall. 


RETUEN   OF   THE  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS  FROM  RICHMOND, 
VIRGINIA,   MAY   24,  1859. 

Welcome  to  your  homes  once  more, 
Sir  Knights,  who  from  our  Southern  shore 
Bear  back  to  us  what  erst  of  yore 

Bound  us  both  heart  and  hand. 
That  friendship  which  should  bind  the  twain, 
Both  North  and  South,  in  one  strong  chain, 
Unbroken  may  it  e'er  remain 

Around  our  native  land. 

Virginia's  greeting,  borne  by  thee, 

Shall  ever  consecrated  be, 

And  in  our  hearts  enshrined  will  we 

Her  memory  ever  keep. 
Our  band  of  brothers,  firm  and  true. 
Shall  put  to  shame  the  trait'rous  few 
Who  shed  disunion's  baneful  dew, 

'Mid  graves  where  patriots  sleep. 


200  PILGRIMAGE   TO  ^'^EGmIA 

Old  Massachusetts  still  shall  prove 
A  worthy  son  of  him  we  love, 
Whose  spirit,  from  the  Lodge  above, 

Well  pleased  that  scene  might  view, 
Where  North  with  South  stood  hand  in  hand, 
Upon  that  spot  of  his  dear  land, 
Where  he  so  oft  met  with  our  band 

Of  brothers  tried  and  true. 

And  in  that  name  to  Masons  dear, 
Of  Washington,  may  we  revere 
His  virtues,  —  then  we  need  not  fear 

But  we  our  land  will  save. 
For  heart  with  heart  each  other's  rights, 
Richmond  and  Boston  by  trae  Knights 
Shall  be  upheld,  till  Bunker's  heights 

Sink  in  old  Ocean's  wave. 


Sir  Knight  Rev,  William  R.  Alger,  Prelate  of  the 
Boston  Encampment,  was  the  next  speaker  introduced. 
He  said :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander  and  Sir  Knights,  —  I  believe 
that  our  Commanders  have  the  right  to  say  to  each  brother  in 
cm"  Order,  "  Go  here,"  or  "  Go  there,"  and  they  should  be 
obeyed.  From  a  sense  of  duty,  I  am  ready  to  obey  impHcitly. 
I  think  this  is  a  most  joyous  hour  for  the  Boston  Encampment, 
when  it  thus  receives  the  brethren  of  the  De  Molay  Encamp- 
ment on  theh  return  fi-om  a  pilgrimage  which  has  reflected  so 
much  credit  upon  our  Order.  ]May  we  forever  continue  to 
let  our  hearts  thus  flow  together  in  the  common  sentiments  of 
Masonry  and  Knighthood,  —  sentiments  dear  to  us  all.  This 
is  a  glorious  and  memorable  occasion.  We  may  never  look 
upon  its  like  again.  Could  there  be  a  reality  corresponding 
to  this,  I  would  indeed  wish  that  there  might  be  "  six  Rich- 
monds  in  the  field." 


OF  THE  KXIGHTS  TEMPLARS.  201 

Our  fi-iends  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment  went  down  to 
Richmond,  not  to  conquer  enemies,  but  to  overcome  the  love 
of  brethren. 

The  Reverend  Prelate  in  eloquent  language  set  forth 
the  beauties  of  Masonic  principles,  and  alluded  to  Louis 
Kossuth,  the  Masonic  connections  he  formed  in  this  coun- 
try, and  the  mission  in  which  he  is  now  engaged  in  refer- 
ence to  the  freedom  of  Hungary  and  Italy.  He  said 
that  when  Kossuth  was  in  this  country,  he  had  been  pre- 
sented with  a  lock  of  hair  of  the  revered  Washington, 
and  wuth  a  cannon-ball  used  by  General  Jackson  at  New 
Orleans.  These  might  now  very  fitly  serve  him  as  com- 
panions, for  while  one  would  inspire  him  with  a  pure  and 
holy  devotion,  the  other  would  nerve  him  to  send  death 
into  the  ranks  of  the  enemies  of  freedom. 

When  the  applause  that  followed  Sir  Knight  Alger's 
remarks  had  subsided,  M.  W,  John  T.  Heard,  Grand 
Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts,  was  called 
up,  and  he  expressed  briefly,  but  eloquently  and  em- 
phatically, his  cordial  interest  in  the  occasion,  and  most 
heartily  welcomed  the  De  Molay  Encampment  on  their 
return  from  Virginia. 

The  presiding  Grand  Commander,  Ellison,  remarked, 
that  during  the  absence  of  the  De  Molay  Encampment 
the  Knighthood  had  increased  largely,  and  they  had  now 
the  pleasure  of  numbering  among  them  the  Chief  Magis- 
trate of  the  Commonwealth.  It  gave  him  unfeigned 
satisfJiction  to  know  that  Sir  Knight  N.  P.  Banks,  Gov- 
ernor of  Massachusetts,  was  present  on  this  occasion,  and 
that  he  might  have  the  pleasure  of  introducing  him  to  the 
company. 

Governor  Banks,  on  rising  to  respond  t(j  the  call  of 


202  PILGRIMAGE   TO   VIRGINIA 

Commander  Ellison,  was  greeted  with  hearty  applause. 
He  said :  — 

Most  Eminent  Commander  and  Sir  Knights  of  the  Boston 
and  De  Molay  Encampments,  —  I  did  not  expect  to  be  called 
upon  to  express  the  gratification  it  affords  me  to  be  present  on 
this  occasion.  But  I  make  my  acknowledgments  with  un- 
feigned pleasure.  I  am  glad  to  be  present  at  this  time,  and  to 
welcome  home  those  who  represented  us  lately  in  a  distant 
part  of  the  Union,  in  the  interchange  of  brotherly  greet- 
ings. 

Without  brotherhood  there  is  but  little  to  be  desired  or  be 
proud  of  in  this  world.  It  knits  us  all  together.  It  is  a  more 
powerful  bond  of  union  than  the  commerce  of  the  seas  or  the 
iron  bands  of  the  railroad.  All  honor  to  Yhginia  for  her 
hospitable  kindness  to  our  brethren,  and  all  honor  to  the  De 
Molays  for  having  deserved  it !  We  should  be  glad  to  recipro- 
cate her  hospitality  to  these  pilgrims  just  returned  from  her 
borders,  but  I  doubt  whether  we  could  do  it  in  the  fulness  it 
deserves. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  also  to  say  that  the  visiting  Knights 
have  done  honor  to  Massachusetts  on  their  late  pilgrimage 
to  Virginia.  They  were  entrusted  with  the  honor  of  our 
State,  and  nobly  have  they  guarded  it.  Massachusetts  and 
Virginia  are  twins  in  historic  and  patriotic  fame.  Their  his- 
tory is  the  history  of  the  foundation  of  this  gi'eat  republic, 
and  it  is  meet  that  they  should  shake  hands  and  salute  each 
other  with  brotherly  greetings.  The  sterling  patriotism  of  Vir- 
ginia is  known  to  all  men ,  and  Massachusetts  will  be  true  to 
the  lessons  of  patriotism,  and  behind  no  other  State  in  her  love 
of  independence,  liberty,  and  the  national  Union. 

The  remarks  of  Sir  Knight  Banks  were  enthusiasti- 
cally received. 

Sir  Knight  General  John  S.  Tyler  of  the  De  Molay 
Encampment  was  called  upon,  and  in  responding  paid  a 


OF   THE  KNIGHTS   TE^^fPLAES.  203 

warm  compliment  to  the  ladies  of  Riclimond.  This  allu- 
sion to  the  ladies  was  greeted  by  the  De  Molays  with 
three  vehement  cheers.  He  closed  with  the  follow- 
ing:— 

The  Ladies  of  Richmond:  Although  the  clouds  and  rain 
prevailed  while  we  were  there,  the  sniiles  of  the  ladies  made 
perpetual  sunshine. 

Sir  Knight  Winslow  Lewis,  Grand  Master  of  the 
Grand  Encampment  of  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island, 
was  called  upon  to  speak  in  behalf  of  the  ladies  of  Rich- 
mond, and  he  responded  in  strains  of  eloquence  and  wit 
that  elicited  frequent  and  hearty  applause. 

Sir  Knight  Charles  Levi  "Woodbury  and  others  fol- 
lowed with  speeches  eloquent  and  appropriate,  of  which 
no  record  was  made. 

The  festival  closed  at  a  seasonable  hour,  and  the  Sir 
Knights  of  De  Molay  retired  to  their  homes,  with  grate- 
ful recollections  of  their  pilgrimage  to  Virginia,  so 
auspiciously  begun,  so  successfully  prosecuted,  and  so 
happily  ended. 


APPENDIX. 


No.  I. 

A  LIST  OF  THE  OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS  OF  RICHMOND 
COMMANDERY,  NO.  2,  K.  T.,.  .TUm:   1,  1859. 

Officers. 

*SiR  E.  H.  Gill,  E.  Commander,  and  G.  Commander 
of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Virginia. 
"  E,.  0.  Haskixs,  Generalissimo. 

*  "  J.  F.  Eegnault,  Captain- General. 

*  "  T.  H.  De  Witt,  Prelate. 

"  Wji.  Allen,  Senior  Warden. 

"  J.  C.  Page,  Jr.,  Junior  Warden. 

"  A.  B.  Archer,   Warder. 

*  "  Wji.  J.  RiDDiCK,  Recorder. 
"  T.  W.  Dudley,  Treasurer. 

*  "  J.  H.  Hackett,  Standard-Bearer. 
'*  "  W.  T.  Allen,  Sword-Bearer. 

"  E.  Semon,  Steward  and  Sentinel. 

Past  Grand  Commanders. 
E.  Sir  John  Dove,  William  B.  Isaacs,        E.  II.  Cill. 

*  The  stars  in  this  list  indicate  tlie  names  of  the  Sir  Knifrlits  who 
visited  Boston  in  June,  1858. 


206 


APPENDIX. 


Sir  Kxights. 


Sir  Jas.  Evans, 

"  T.  C.  Rice, 

"  J.  V.  Hardwicke, 

"  S.  y.  Landrum, 

*  "  Powhatan  Weisiger, 

*  "  John  F.  Stagg, 
"  Chas.  K.  Allen, 

*  "  George  Whitfield, 
"  C.  A.  McElvoy, 

"  C.  H.  Wynne, 

*  "  Joseph  Hall, 
"  B.  Slade, 

"  John  H.  Claiborne, 

"  K.  M.  Burton, 

"  C.  W.  PurceU, 

"  Thos.  P.  August, 

"  R.  H.  Dickiuson, 

*  "  G.  H.  Tompkins, 
"  P.  D.  McKiuney, 

*  "  L.  W.  Glazebrook, 
"  J.  H.  Crenshaw, 

"  C.  B.  Luck, 

"  Jas.  L.  Bray, 

"  Thos.  B.  Bigger, 

"  Jas.  Beale,  M.  D., 

"  Hector  Davis, 

"  Thos.  Vaiden,  Jr., 

"  Jas.  S.  Kent, 

"  John  Thompson, 

*  "  Geo.  W.  Curtis, 
«  N.B.Hill, 

*  "  J.  W.  McKel, 
"  Wm.  F.  Butler, 
"  Jas.  M.  Sublett, 
"  A.  B.  Eaton, 


ISir  D.  S.  Walton, 

*  "  J.  F.  Dahlberg, 

*  "  John  H.  Bosher, 
"  S.  Myers, 

"  Andrew  Johnston, 

"  S.  B.  Jacobs, 

*  "  Wm.  Nott, 

"  Preston  M.  Quarles, 

*  "  John  W.  Wright, 

*  "  E.  E.  Dudley, 

*  "  W.  H.  Tyler, 
"  A.  Barratta, 

*  "  John  Horton, 

*  "  Wm.  F.  White, 

*  "  A.  S.  Lee, 

"  J.  D.  Goodman, 

*  "  G.  W.  C.  Stratton, 
"  Henr}^  W.  Murray, 

"  J.  L.  Burrows,  D.D., 

"  John  P.  Little,  M.  D., 

"  Jas.  A.  Scott, 

"  W.  Peterson, 

"  J.  W.  Archer, 

"  John  P.  BaUard, 

*  "  Thos.  Ellett, 
"  B.  Clopton, 

"  D.  K.  Weisiger, 

"  Jas.  N.  Shine, 

"  Saml.  B.  Brown, 

"  E.  H.  Lane, 

"  Thos.  Skinner, 

"  H.  D.  Whitcomb, 

"  Wm.  H.  Hardgrove, 

"  B.  T.  Chalk, 

*  "  J.  W.  Bransford, 


APPENDIX. 


207 


Sir 


*  « 

#  u 


H.  W.  Fry,  Jr, 
Johu  P.  Roberts, 
P.  Oliver  Simms, 

A.  A.  Allen, 
W.  D.  Colquitt, 

B.  M.  Harris, 
S.  P.  :Mitchell, 
Jas.  R.  Crenshaw, 
N.  Tinsley  Pate, 
R.  W.  Wyatt, 

P.  Trent,  M.  D., 
John  W.  Davies, 
Jas.  E.  Riddifk, 

D.  T.  WilUams, 
J.  A.  Hobson, 
H.  B.  Dickinson, 
Thos.  Dodamead, 
Alex.  England, 

E.  J.  Warren, 

John  H.  Davies,  M.  D., 

D.  King, 

J.  W.  McCandUsh, 

C.  E.  Snodgrass, 
W.  G.  Richardson, 
Thos.  E.  Ballard, 
Sanil.  Peters, 

W.  E.  Wiatt, 

M.  W.  Yarrington, 

A.  McRae, 
Clay  Drewry, 

C.  W.  Macmurdo, 
C.  Campbell, 

B.  J.  Vaughan, 
J.  N.  Parker, 
S.  Sutherland, 
H.  II.  Miles, 


Sii- 

*   u 

4|(    1( 


a 

*  u 

*  41 


V.  A.  Bowis, 
John  N.  ^^'illiams, 
John  Perr}', 
S.  Jones,  Jr., 
E.  R.  West, 
R.  W.  Drewry, 
John  Temple, 
M.  W.  Eord, 
W.  H.  CuUinsworth, 
J.  C.  Shields, 
E.  D.  Ogden, 
W.  E.  Tanner, 
C.  C.  Johnson, 
Lyle  Foster, 
b"  K.  Pullen, 
L.  ]\Iaule, 
Z.  Kidwell, 
John  T.  Sizer, 
Rev.  J.  T.  Points, 
W.  J.  Bevill, 
G.  G.  Goocb, 
Jas.  Rauls, 
R.  S.  Powell, 
Rev.  F.  J.  Boggs, 
R.  Crouch, 
R.  M.  Anderson, 
E.  S.  Baber, 
T.  H.  Wynne, 
C.  E.  Wortham, 
Patterson  Allan, 
Geo.  W.  ^Vih•y, 
John  AIcFarland, 
Fred.  Butler, 
C.  S.  Daw(if)n, 
Rev.  J.  Sl.iigley, 
Julian  Kean, 


208  APPENDIX. 

Sir  E.  M.  Nimmo,  Sir  T.  J.  Deane, 

"  B.  J.  Johnson,  "   T.  J.  Evans, 

"  Wm.  Bradley,  "   N.  S.  Walker, 

"  G.  L.  Betty,  «  Jas.  Lyons, 

"  W.  A.  Wyatt,  "  Jos.  Mayo, 

"  R.  B.  Snead,  "  John  T.  Rogers. 


No.  n. 

LIST   OF  MEMBERS   OF   THE  BOSTON  ENCAMPMENT. 

The  following  is  a  List  of  the  Officers  and  Members  of  Bos- 
ton Encampment,  who  received  and  entertained  their  brethren 
of  the  De  Molay  Encampment,  on  the  return  of  the  latter  from 
their  visit  to  Richmond,  Virginia,  May  24,  1859  :  — 

Officers. 

*Wm.  Ellison,  Host  Eminent  Grand  Commander. 

Dr.  Winslow  Lewis,  Generalissimo. 
*Chas.  B.  F.  Adams,  Captain-General. 
*JoELN  K.  Hall,  Senior  Warden. 
*WYZEMA]sr  Marshall,  Junior  Warden. 
*Rev.  Wm.  R.  Alger,  Prelate. 
*JoHN  McClellax,  Treasurer. 
*W.  H.  L.  Smith,  Recorder. 
*F.  C.  Raymond,  Sword-Bearer. 
*Noah  Butts,  Standard-Bear er. 
*AjsrDREW  Lanergan,  Warder. 
*SoLON  Thornton,  Tliird  Guard. 
*Jas.  M.  Burgess,  Second  Guard. 
*Henry  C.  Stratton,  First  Guard. 
*Wm.  C.  Martin,  Sentinel. 
*H.  G.  Barrows,  Organist. 
*Jacob  C.  Phelps,  Armorer. 


APPENDIX. 


209 


Members.* 


John  B.  Hammatt,* 
Robert  Lash,* 
Samuel  Wales,* 
A.  A.  Dame,* 
John  Hews,* 
Gilbert  Nurse,* 
John  FHnt,* 
Daniel  Harwood,* 
Amos  Stevens, 
Z.  B.  Porter, 
Benjamin  D.  Baldwin, 
John  R.  Bradford,* 
Hugh  H.  Tuttle, 
Jacob  S.  Savage, 
John  Stevens, 
C.  Southworth, 
Peter  Dunbar, 
William  B.  Hawes, 
Samuel  Pearce,* 
E.  M.  P.  Wells, 
Loyal  Lovejoy, 
Lewis  Rice, 
Newell  A.  Thompson, 
Joseph  Barnard, 
John  F.  Edwards, 
Ebenezer  Smith, 
Nahum  Ball, 
Joseph  Hall, 
Abner  W.  Pollard, 
Elisha  V.  Glover,  Jr. 
Francis  A.  Hirsch, 
N.  Y.  Culbertson, 
Calvin  M.  Thompson, 


Joseph  L.  Ross, 
Eben  B.  Foster, 
Sanford  M.  Hunt, 
Wm.  M.  Stedman,  Jr., 
Henry  F.  Durant, 
David  Thayer, 
William  Bogle, 
Sylvester  Ba.xter, 
Benjamin  F.  West, 
Wm.  K.  Jones, 
Edward  B.  Moore, 
George  M.  Gibson, 
Joseph  W.  Howard, 
Samuel  Jepson, 
George  W.  Patten, 
James  A.  Dupee, 
John  T.  Heard, 
T.  Larkin  Turner, 
Chester  Sanderson, 
Ithamar  W.  Beard, 
Amos  W.  Cross, 
George  IMoulton, 
John  A.  Robertson, 
Theodore  Atkinson, 
Thomas  C.  Day, 
Franklin  F.  Heard, 
Samuel  R.  Spinney, 
Richard  M.  Barker, 
William  Pearce, 
John  T.  Gilman, 
Martin  W.  Long, 
Jesse  P.  Pattcc, 
De  Witt  C.  Brackett, 


*  Those  marked  thus  *  are  Honorary. 
14 


210 


APPENDIX. 


Alexander  K.  Brj^er, 
Joseph  Chapman, 
William  Knapp, 
John  W.  Lord, 
Charles  A.  Mores, 
Wm.  P.  Butterfield, 
Thomas  J.  Herring, 
Benjamin  F.  Nourse, 
James  A.  D.  Worcester, 
WiDiam  W.  Bullock, 
Ellsha  J.  Cleveland, 
Chauncey  Page, 
Alfi-ed  A.  Prescott, 
Homer  Kice, 
Lewis  A.  Surette, 
George  H.  ChUd, 
Joseph  P.  Johnson, 
Stephen  S.  Seavy, 
William  G.  Train, 
Charles  E.  Caneday, 
Jonas  Fitch, 
George  B.  Swasey, 
Jona.  T.  Spalding, 
Thomas  G.  ^Yhytal, 
Joseph  H.  Bradley, 
Richard  Briggs, 
Thacher  Beal, 
Thomas  Hunt, 
Henry  E.  Jocelyn, 
Jeremiah  Mahoney, 
George  H.  Peirson, 
Charles  A.  Smith, 
Geo.  W.  Smith, 
A.  W.  Banfield, 
John  Borrowscale, 
Philander  J.  Forristall, 
James  A.  Maynard, 


Morris  Mattson, 
Samuel  Mason,  Jr., 
Robert  L.  Bobbins, 
Isaac  F.  Shepard, 
J.  E.  M.  GiUey, 
George  Young, 
James  L.  Lincoln, 
Stephen  M.  S.  Pratt, 
Samuel  G.  Clap, 
Joseph  J.  Hewes, 
Geo.  L.  Barr, 
Elihu  C.  Baker, 
Jabez  F.  Hewes, 
George  Haslet, 
John  D.  Jennings, 
William  F.  Davis, 
Thomas  Pember, 
Sidney  Patch, 
Hamilcar  Rice, 
Charles  T.  Stevens, 
WiUiam  B.  TMiitcomb, 
Alfred  G.  Taggart, 
Thomas  C.  Savory, 
]Moses  G.  Cobb, 
A.  K.  P.  Joy, 
Wm.  E.  Parmenter, 
Caleb  B.  Watts, 
James  W.  Lee, 
Wm.  E.  Hough, 
Merrick  Blanchard, 
Sylvester  P.  Gilbert, 
Peter  McInt}Te, 
Horace  Barnes, 
David  Roberts, 
Saml.  Kennedy, 
Frank  O.  Eldredge, 
Henry  J.  Gardner, 


APPENDIX. 


211 


Jona.  E.  Morrell, 
Moses  Tenney,  Jr., 
Henrj'  Blaney, 
John  A.  Baxter, 
Geo.  S.  Wentwortb, 
Wm.  C.  Morey, 
Henrj"  Melius, 
Saml.  E.  Weston, 
Saml.  C.  Lavrrence, 
Wm.  W.  Clapp,  Jr., 
Micah  Dyer,  Ji-., 
John  S.  H.  Fogg, 
John  F.  Macomber, 
P.  Stearns  Davis, 
Wm.  R.  Huston, 
Wm.  Crook,  Jr., 
Charles  C.  Southard, 
Geo.  H.  Weeks, 
David  N.  Skillings, 
Steuben  T.  Bacon, 
Edwin  R.  Sawyer, 
Wm.  L.  Batchelder, 
Noah  M.  Gaj-lord, 
Geo.  Marston, 
Chas.  C.  Dame, 
Freeman  Baker, 
Lester  Ilolcomb, 
Nathl.  Hamilton, 
A.  K.  P.  Welch, 
Charles  B.  Hall, 
M.  A.  Moore, 


Abel  A.  Adams, 
Wm.  Hobbs,  Jr., 
Sylvester  Trull, 
Geo.  L.  Pratt, 
Ivory  Bean, 
Ezra  Forristall, 
Wm.  F.  Knowles, 
C.  F.  Dana, 
John  G.  Case, 
John  F.  Cun'ier, 
Francis  A.  Hall, 
Saml.  L.  French, 
Geo.  Woodman, 
Geo.  I.  Robinson, 
R.  E.  Demmon, 
]\Iarshall  S.  Scudder, 
Sanford  Fificld, 
Chas.  B.  Sanford, 
Arthur  Cheney, 
Harvey  T.  Litchfield, 
Danl.  W.  Lawrence, 
Wm.  W.  Peirce, 
S.  B.  Phinney, 
James  C.  BuUen, 
Jeremiah  Dunham, 
Wm.  H.  Calrow, 
Curtis  Guild, 
Thos.  J.  Leland, 
Frederick  11.  Calrow, 
Geo.  AVatson  Prcscott, 
Chas.  L.  Amory. 


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